Consumer Outreach
Workshop for Consumers & Influencers to Enable Wider Adoption of Organic Food
Chennai
On August 13th, 2024, CREATE, in collaboration with the Department of Economics, University of Madras, and Organic Farmers Market, Chennai, organized a one-day workshop aimed at enabling the wider adoption of organic food. The event was inaugurated by Dr. J. Radhakrishnan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection Department. In his keynote address, Dr. Radhakrishnan IAS highlighted the alarming rate of deterioration in native germplasm and biodiversity, urging a collective effort to conserve and promote these vital resources. He called upon students, researchers, academicians, and the scientific community to intensify research on native species and generate authenticated information to support organic farmers and the public, particularly in combating the rise of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Radhakrishnan IAS also reflected on the shift in health practices over generations, noting how our forefathers prioritized exercise, physical activity, and diet control over medication, contrasting with today’s tendency to rely on medicine as the first option. He appreciated CREATE’s efforts, alongside organic farmers, retailers, food influencers, and academic institutions, in advocating for the health benefits of organic food. However, he emphasized the importance of balancing organic food promotion with the need to sustain food production for the growing population, advocating for market support systems to assist farmers.
Dr. S. Elumalai, Registrar of the University of Madras, delivered the presidential address, expressing pride in his identity as a farmer and sharing how farming contributes to his happiness and health.
Prof. Dr. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, explained the workshop’s objectives, highlighting various collaborative activities with academic and research institutions in Tamil Nadu to support farming communities and consumer groups.
The workshop featured two panel discussions focusing on the roles of the medical fraternity, media, social media, and academic researchers in making organic food accessible to the general public. The discussions also explored the importance of partnerships among stakeholders in the organic food chain. Eminent personalities from these sectors participated, offering insights and responding to participant questions. The panels provided concrete suggestions for policy changes, research initiatives, consumer behavior adjustments, and strategies to build trust between consumers and organic farmers. The role of youth as change agents, leveraging digital platforms, was also emphasized.
A notable feature of the workshop was the display of over 200 traditional paddy varieties, curated by the Department of Botany at Thiagarajar College, Madurai, and CREATE. Participants also enjoyed a delicious organic lunch, featuring various traditional recipes.
The workshop began with a warm welcome by Dr. Chinnammai, Professor and Head of the Department of Economics, University of Madras. The event was facilitated by Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director, CREATE, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sathees Kumar, Program Officer.
This workshop was a significant step towards fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to organic food, encouraging a healthier future for both people and the planet.
