Why do politicians dare to lead the way in changing smoking and seatbelt norms while Danish food culture is treated like a hot potato?
Beef in one hand, tax relief on chocolate and sweets in the other. Minister of Culture Jacob Engel-Schmidt held a press conference on the Finance Act with just this combination - and thus put his finger on a paradox at the heart of Danish politics. While announcing big climate and health ambitions, politicians don't want to touch Danes' (food) habits with a "barbecue tongs". This feeds the debate about pseudo-politics: do political promises actually materialize in reality?
In this morning session, we dive into the political engine room. People pushing for change from the top share frustrations and successes, and provide policy tools to foster a food culture that benefits health, communities, and climate.
Together we will explore: Does change come from the top or the bottom? Can we politically work with something as personal as food without becoming patronizing? Do we need a social and cultural Tripartite: an alliance that works with food as more than business and environmental policy?
Take an active part in the debate in INVI's Gule Gård and meet political forces for change:
RASMUS WILLIG: Principal, Suhrs Højskole. Member, Ethical Council. Founder, Andelsgaarde.
CLAUS MEYER: Gastronomic entrepreneur.
RASMUS PREHN: Director, Danish Ecological Association. Former Minister of Food.
BIRGIT S. HANSEN: KL's representative for the Green Tripartite. Former mayor of Frederikshavn.
JESPER FISKER: Director, Danish Cancer Society. Chairman, Health Structure Commission.
HENRIK FRANDSEN: Member of Parliament and food spokesman (M). Former mayor of Tønder.
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: INVIs Gule Gård, Snaregade 10B, Copenhagen K
Organized by INVI - Institute for wicked Problems, Meyers Madhus, Democracy X, Tænketanken Frej, and Madkulturen.