The first ever Food Futures 2030 event took place in The Heritage Killenard on March 21st 2018. The event was run by Laois County Council in conjunction with Laois LEO and Laois Partnership, as part of the Connect 2 Laois for Food programme. This exciting event brought together food service operators, food producers and buyers together under the one roof.

Over 100 people attended the event which not only included a producer showcase of local food producers but also an exciting line up of speakers including Domini Kemp from ITSA, Darina Allen from Ballymaloe Cookery School, Olivia Duff from Boyne Valley Food Series, Headford Arms, Fáilte Ireland Food Ambassador, Grace Binchy from Bord Bia’s Thinking House, Paddy O’Connell of Paddy O’s Granola, Sarah Shimmons from Eximo Marketing and a focus on the Retail Sector including Colin Jephson from Ardkeen Quality Food Store.

View highlights from the event in this short video below:

Note: Food Futures 2030 was organised as part of the REDZ funded Connect 2 Laois for Food programme. Connect 2 Laois for Food is a collaborative project between Laois County Council, the Local Enterprise Office and Laois Partnership. Connect 2 Laois for Food is aimed at supporting and nurturing start-up and established businesses in the County and allow them to have access to a programme of supports to improve their businesses. Over 12 months local food .producers & food service providers are availing of specialist training and mentoring. James Burke & Associates, Ireland’s leading Food Consultants and Retail Advisors, are delivering the programme.