‘Harvesting Connections’ theme of 2025 Samhain Symposium

Discussing development of a national food policy

The Centre of Food Culture Ireland's 2025 Samhain Symposium takes place on Friday 7th November at the Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells. This year’s flagship event, themed 'Harvesting Connections', will bring together key voices from across Ireland’s food industry to discuss the development of a coherent national food policy.

The symposium will provide a unique platform for producers, policymakers, educators, researchers and community voices to come together in shaping the future of food in Ireland.

The event will be hosted by food and farming journalist Ella McSweeney and will feature a keynote address titled 'Connecting the Dots: Pathways towards an Integrated National Food Policy', by Ruth Hegarty, a leading food policy and sustainable food systems specialist.

Ms Hegarty will be joined for a panel discussion by Dr Michelle Darmody, a writer and sustainable food education expert; Siobhán Ní Ghairbhith of St Tola Goats Cheese, member of CAIS and the Burren Food Trail; and Kevin Sheridan, co-founder of Sheridans Cheesemongers and director at the Centre of Food Culture Ireland.

In addition to keynote and panel sessions, attendees will participate in round table breakout discussions, offering a platform for all to share their insights, challenges and aspirations. Tickets to the symposium are available here.

Coinciding with this year’s symposium, the Centre of Food Culture will launch Ireland’s first publicly accessible online directory of artisan food producers. This initiative aims to connect artisan and farmhouse food producers, growers, brewers, cider makers and distillers with chefs, consumers and food system stakeholders across Ireland.

Ella Ryan, development manager at the Centre of Food Culture Ireland said: “Our vision is to support a vibrant, creative, sustainable and interconnected food culture in Ireland. This directory is a key step in showcasing the depth of talent and dedication across our food landscape in Ireland, supporting greater connectivity across the industry, particularly between consumers and food producers.”

Producers operating in Ireland are encouraged to register for inclusion in the directory by visiting https://foodcultureireland.ie/producer-directory-landing/.