Around 30 speakers from across education, farming, health and business came together in Truro for the third Sustainable Food Cornwall Summit, exploring the opportunities and challenges facing Cornwall’s food system.
The day-long event brought together 110 people, including school pupils, academics, growers, community groups and public sector representatives, to share ideas, celebrate local innovation, eat good food and explore how Cornwall can build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food future.
Sustainable Food Cornwall Director Matthew Thomson said: “Our food system touches every part of life in Cornwall – from the health of our children and the strength of our local economy to the future of our farms and the environment. The summit gathered people from Bude to St Just to take stock of the challenges we face, collaborate to address them and celebrate and build on the fantastic work that is happening across Cornwall. We have a real opportunity to create a food system that is healthier, fairer and more resilient, and one that works better for our communities, our farmers and nature.”
Why Cornwall’s food system matters
Food insecurity affects millions of people across the UK, while many farmers face financial uncertainty. At the same time, food waste and the agricultural use of fossil fuels and chemicals contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
The summit highlighted the need for a more joined-up approach to how food is grown, distributed, bought and eaten across Cornwall. It also showcased projects already making a difference to local health, the economy, the environment and community wellbeing.
Cornish projects leading the way
A range of inspiring initiatives were highlighted on the day to demonstrate how practical action is helping to transform Cornwall’s food system. These included:
WellFed Cornwall: improving health through local food
The WellFed Cornwall pilot supports people living with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes through free weekly boxes of locally and agroecologically grown vegetables, alongside 12 weeks of tailored support. Activities help participants build confidence in preparing, growing and cooking vegetables, while encouraging social connection, engagement with nature, physical activity and community involvement.
Get Real Food: helping young people make healthier choices
The Get Real Food Project, developed with Camborne Science and International Academy students, encourages young people to include real food in their meals and snacks. Students track their choices using Real Food Passports, stamped weekly by student Food Ambassadors. The project highlights the important role schools can play in helping young people develop healthier eating habits and understand the impact of their food choices.
Great Cornish Food Academy: building skills for the future
Through school visits, hands-on experiences and skills training, the Great Cornish Food Academy aims to address skills shortages across Cornwall’s fishing, farming, food and drink industries. By connecting young people with local producers and career opportunities, the initiative is helping to build a stronger and more sustainable future for Cornwall’s food and drink sector.
Growing food in harmony with nature
A collaboration between the National Trust and Penryn-based Verdant Brewing Co has demonstrated how changes in farming practices can benefit nature. At Godrevy, one of the National Trust’s farms has moved away from intensive brassica production towards nature-friendly barley growing. The barley is used in Skylark Ale, produced by Verdant Brewing Co, and the change in farming methods has led to a significant increase in biodiversity, particularly butterfly numbers. The project shows how local partnerships can connect sustainable farming, business and nature recovery.
How you can help build a better food future
The summit demonstrated that Cornwall already has the knowledge, skills and innovation needed to make positive change. By building stronger connections across food, farming, health and education, the county can work towards a food system that benefits people, the local economy and nature for generations to come.
Sustainable Food Cornwall is now encouraging everyone to take small but meaningful steps towards a more resilient local food system.
1. Sign up to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Food Charter
The charter encourages people to choose more local and seasonal produce, learn where their food comes from and understand how it is produced, helping them make more informed choices.
2. Explore our Good Food Map
Use the Good Food Map to discover local growers, farmers and food retailers, and support them wherever possible. From choosing seasonal produce to supporting local food businesses, small everyday actions can help strengthen Cornwall’s food economy, support farmers and protect the environment.