The consumer dialogues are about the soil

This year, local soils and fairness in the production and distribution of food are the key topics at the “Austrian Consumer Dialogues” from June 24th to 26th. Experts, politicians and practitioners are guests at countless lectures and workshops in the Working World Museum, where the consumer dialogues celebrated a successful premiere in Steyr last year.

The series of events organized by the non-profit Común Foundation aims to show both the power that individual consumers have and where the community needs it. Because “if farmers are literally squeezed out by corporations, but at the same time consumers can no longer afford their food, then we cannot solve it at the checkout,” said organizer Sebastian Bohrn Mena at the program presentation recently in Linz.

The consumer dialogues are intended to help acquire the necessary basic knowledge to answer questions such as “What impact does progressive sealing have on food sovereignty?” or “How to achieve fairness in food production and distribution?” to find answers. Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (VP) and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) also take part in events. In addition to discussions on topics such as circular economy, animal welfare, soil protection and food prices, the program also includes baking demonstrations. Furthermore, “Farmfluencers” – young farmers who are active on social media – will provide insight into everyday life on the farm.

“How we consume has a direct impact on us and our social interactions. This particularly applies to food,” said Steyr Mayor Markus Vogl at the press conference in Linz. The city of Steyr provides kindergarten children and seniors in retirement homes with freshly cooked, high-quality meals every day.

A class from HLW Steyr is on board the organizing committee this year and is jointly responsible for organizing the consumer dialogues in Steyr.