S5 E1: Thinking of food

Thinking of food

In this first introductory episode of 'Food for thought,' EarthRights' hosts, Mel and Pippa, welcome listeners to revive their connection to the land and nourish change. The episode unfolds during the harvest season with vivid reflections on Mel's recent experiences at Coed Talylan in Wales and Pippa's stay on a farm in the Montenegran mountains, where they both immersed themselves in tending to the land and the seasons, chopping wood, constructing eco-homes, harvesting food from lush gardens, and feeling deeply absorbed by their surroundings. These profound connections spark a revival for the podcast after a long pause.

This newfound inspiration propels the series, aiming to foster reconnection among people and with the land, emphasising the need to move beyond macro politics and global organisations.

One of the overarching themes of the series is: food and land go hand in hand. This sets the stage for discussions on critical issues, such as major investors buying and privatising land, disrupting traditional access, and the impact of sea level rise and season changes on farming practices.

The episode moves on to address the pressing need to delink food access from economic factors, advocating for equitable access to nutritious food for all. It discusses global food insecurity, emphasising issues of access, poverty, and power.

From a human rights and environmental standpoint, the episode highlights the importance of social movements in defining the boundaries of human rights and challenging corporate agendas. It discusses the evolving concept of extreme poverty post-COVID and the definitions of rights, particularly the right to food, exploring the choices between food security and food sovereignty.

The episode concludes with an announcement of the series plan, including upcoming episodes on land access with Nick Hayes and the Coed Talylan community, urban farming, sustainable fishing, food as a universal language, empowerment through dealing in seeds, diet choices, consumer choices, and more. 

Get ready for a thought-provoking journey through the "Food for Thought" series! EarthRights will be encouraging listeners to reconsider their relationship with food, land, and each other. Each episode promises to nourish the audience with meaningful insights and actionable steps toward a more sustainable and just food system.