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Wednesday 6th March 2002 At the RGS-IBG, I Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE: David Coleman, Countryside Agency, Chris Baines, Environmental Adviser, Writer and Broadcaster, Jonathan Murdoch and Terry Marsden, Cardiff University; Gareth Jones, Farm Retail Association; Moya Kneafsey, Coventry University, James Kirwan and Carol Morris, University of Gloucestershire; Pete Riley, Friends of the Earth; Georgina Dobson, CPRE, Vicki Hird, SUSTAIN; Kevin Hawkins, Safeway Stores plc. THE FOCUS In recent years a number of researchers have advanced the notion of an 'alternative' or 'new' food economy emerging in opposition to the globalised food economy. This alternative food economy (AFE) is built around quality, health, environmental, fair trade and other concerns. Of central importance is the claim that a new category of consumer has emerged, motivated by ethical and health concerns rather than by price. More recently, as a result of the Foot & Mouth epidemic, there has also been a resurgence in empathy for farmers among some consumers resulting in 'buy local' campaigns in some parts of the country. However the size and potential of new markets, as well as their precise characteristics, are subject to much debate and conjecture. There are potential implications of these developments across the world but the main focus of this conference is a single national economy - the UK. The conference will seek to present developments in rural and food geography to a wider audience, and critically examine the claims made with regard to the AFE. In particular, it will seek to: * Examine how new consumer concerns are being dealt with in food retailing * Examine the size and characteristics of the AFE in western societies including the different segments of the AFE; * Explore the potential for further growth of the AFE; * Explore the implications of the AFE for future patterns of retailing; THE TIMING The past decade has been characterised by a series of food scares and public debate over food issues. If anything this debate is intensifying as a consequence of both the Foot & Mouth epidemic in Britain and the international politics surrounding WTO and CAP reform. Strong claims have been made both by practitioners and academics with regard to the potential of AFEs to reverse long-established trends in the agro-food sector. There are important potential implications which need exploring for the geography of production and retailing. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? * Practitioners and policy makers * Associated industry professionals * The Retail and Food Manufacturing Sector * Researchers, students and teachers * Representatives from central and local government * Ngos, campaigners and charities with an interest in alternative food economies * Regulators, Agencies and Commissions COST (to include lunch) £47 for academics, or non-profit making organisations, £21.15 for post-graduate students, £8 for undergraduates (no lunch), all others £70.50. TO BOOK: Telephone Events on tel. 0207 591 3007 to register, or to receive full details. Alternatively, email [log in to unmask] for full programme and registration form. _____________________________ Elliot Robertson Policy Officer Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR t. +44(0)20 7591 3008 f. +44(0)20 7591 3001 http://www.rgs.org This email may contain confidential or copyright information and is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient you should not use or copy it but inform the sender immediately.