Feeding Ourselves

Feeding Ourselves has evolved from an annual gathering in Cloughjordan into a vibrant Community of Practice—a dynamic, multi-actor network of farmers, land workers, researchers, activists, and advocates of short food supply chains, all working to cultivate resilient and thriving local food systems.

It’s a space for connection, collaboration, and collective action—where we reimagine and work towards food economies that are fair, regenerative, and deeply rooted in place. This growing network strengthens local food systems by supporting a just transition: one where farmers can thrive, everyone has access to healthy, locally produced food, and meaningful responses are made to the challenges of climate, biodiversity, and rural resilience.


For the past five years, the Feeding Ourselves gathering has utilised the Talanoa Dialogue, a participatory process developed under the UNFCCC during COP23 in 2017, under Fiji’s presidency. “Talanoa,” a Fijian word, refers to an inclusive and constructive dialogue where participants share stories, build empathy, and work toward solutions for the common good.


The Feeding Ourselves Community of Practice (CoP) brings together diverse stakeholders to advance policy, training, and advocacy development for resilient local food systems. A number of key initiatives are driven through working groups and living labs, each focusing on critical aspects of food sovereignty, land use, and local economies.

Join the Community of Practice!

Engage in gatherings, conversations, co-learning, webinars, and working groups to strengthen the local food movement in Ireland.

Feeding Ourselves

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