Weston Price Conference

Through funding from MWBD and a farmer from the area we were in a position to bring Michelle O Donnell from Masterchefs to the conference. This was very fortuitous as it offered a means to get an objective view of what the foundation was all about. 

25 years going to support food, farming and the healing arts. While the USA is not noted for the healthiest food it was so interesting to be immersed with a tribe of farmers, consumers, families who have aimed away from the Standard American Diet to more nourishing foods high in fat, organic, raw milk etc. 

The meals were prepared with the principles of Wise Traditions. Home made broth, nose to tail, full fat, fermented foods etc… The feeling was nourishment! We met the catering team and egos were not evident. This was genuine interest in nourishing the population. A shift in mindset that we need to embrace in Ireland. 

There were three tracks of talks depending on interest from beginners to advanced. So you could learn how to make sourdough or find out more about the healing power of copper. 

My interest was in particular to meet with Nina Teicholz who has developed the dietary guidelines due out soon. Meat, Butter and Cheese may actually be considered health foods yet. How will this impact how farmers view their produce? 

A grain farmer called Bob Quinn from Montana was an inspiring contact on how he turned his farm from commodities to food and how it helped his community. This focus is important for people to learn from and the movement is starting in Ireland. 

We noted that the attendees were healthy with great skin. Very little make up etc. Sally Fallon Morell is still presenting her talk on nourishing traditions and extolling the benefits of raw milk. Our relationship with the Foundation is based on my own journey as a Chapter Leader organising an event in Limerick for 2015 which culminated in two more events the following years. Hugely popular but my focus moved to supporting the farmers at home who were under threat for producing food not commodities. 

The culinary role I believe is to increase exposure for people to organic foods as often as possible. The actual foods are simpler and tastier! Quite possibly cheaper too in the long run but we need to test it regularly to find out. 

The Urban Co-op has been the focus to provide that platform of support for farmers and consumers looking to trade in food not commodities. From visiting this conference again I am inspired to consider bringing this back again. It was uplifting and encouraging considering we have so much to offer in Ireland. When we broached the subject of having the conference in Ireland there was much support echoed. I believe it is time to consider again… this time in Galway. We are capable of nourishing our population with a different mindset. I see we place so many barriers in our way all the time but I realise that events like this help us to see the goal of why organic is important. Opening access to the foods for the farmers and the consumers is a critical step forward.