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Regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture and soil health were a major focus of the festival. Chefs and producers are advocating for soil restoration techniques that enhance biodiversity and support carbon capture whilst restaurants are recognizing their role in supporting farmers who use sustainable practices, integrating hyper-local ingredients into their menus to ensure culinary traditions thrive while protecting the environment.
A standout moment for me came when four young Icelandic fishing guides took to the stage to present a compelling argument against sea-farmed salmon. These seventhgeneration guides( two sets of sisters in their late teens and early twenties) were among the first female fishing guides in Iceland. They work on the Laxá river in Northern Iceland, helping visitors catch wild Atlantic salmon.
Their presentation highlighted the environmental concerns surrounding farmed salmon, championing the preservation of wild fish populations and sustainable fishing practices, but their story resonated with many at the festival, including myself, to reinforce the importance of longterm thinking in food systems. This is an idea deeply connected to a concept called‘ cathedral thinking’.
Cathedral thinking
Perhaps one of the most resonant ideas discussed at MAD was‘ cathedral thinking’ – the concept of planning for impact beyond one’ s lifetime. This concept originates from medieval cathedral builders who laid foundations for structures they would never see completed. In today’ s fast-paced society where instant results and short-term gains often take precedence, this mindset is obviously unusual, unique even!
Yet, it is key to solving some of the biggest challenges we face in food sustainability. Many environmental solutions, like regenerative farming or biodiversity
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