Matt Reed and Hannah Chiswell were interviewed on the Kate Clark show on BBC Gloucestershire yesterday (5th November) about the CCRI events taking place as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science.
Hannah talked about ‘From Moo to You’, which is taking place at Asda in Gloucester today (Monday, 6th November). Hannah explained that the idea was to engage with the public and take them through the journey that milk makes from farm to shop. She talked about how social science research is looking at the different ways milk travels from the farmer to the supermarket shelves, something that many of us don’t think about when we purchase our milk at our preferred shop or supermarket. In addition to traditional models of supply, Hannah also talked about new models, such as milk huts and farmers selling direct from the field in vending machines. More is to be revealed at the event today!
Matt talked about CCRI stalls that are being set up at farmers’ markets in Cheltenham and Cirencester on 10th and 11th November respectively. Of particular interest will the demonstration of a smartphone app to help people access local food and the researchers are keen to get some public feedback before it is finalised and launched in January. Matt also told the programme that CCRI soil expert, Jane Mills, will be at the Cheltenham Farmers’ Market on Friday 10th November to talk about the importance of soil to food, farming and prevention of flooding and will be talking about some practical projects taking place with local farmers aimed at improving the soil. Chris Short will be at hand at Cirencester Farmers’ Market on Saturday 11th to talk about some local natural flood management projects which are happening in Gloucestershire, where farmers, community groups and other people involved in managing water are working together to slow the flow of water to prevent flooding down river.
Matt said that he and his team of researchers will also be talking about how their research may influence the future of farming, which faces both opportunities and challenges through changing technology, policy and the environment. Other themes up for discussion include cheese, milk, beer, fish, water and the environment.
Mooranda, the life-sized cardboard cow, will be at all the events to help engage the public and amuse the younger ones.
The interview can be listened to for another 29 days (until 4th December). Kate and Matt’s interview begin at 14.10 minutes into the programme. Link to radio interview.
Follow the CCRI on Twitter: @CCRI_UK #esrcfestival #moo2u
Event information:
Location: Asda Superstore, Bruton Way, Gloucester GL1 1DS.
Date: 6th November 2017
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Cheltenham Farmers Market, The Promenade.
Date: 10 November 2017
Time: 09:00 – 14:00
Location: Cirencester Farmers Market, by the Parish Church.
Date: 11 November 2017
Time: 09:00 – 14:00
