As energy costs bite into the food supply chain, Quadrant Australia and Rural Press are hosting a tour to Europe, the heartland of regional and local food systems, to investigate market development for niche food products.

The tour will start with a visit to the world’s biggest food industry show, SIAL in Paris, refresh with a few days in the French countryside looking at field-to-plate local food systems, and finish at the Slow Food movement’s biennial international food event, the Salone del Gusto, or 'Salon of Taste', in Turin, Italy.

The 17-day study tour, scheduled to depart Australia on October 15 and return on October 31, is designed to help participants develop their own food marketing models.

Europe's ancient food systems evolved from region to region, valley to valley.

They are distinguished by regional variety and minimal transport—two areas of growing importance in an energy-constrained world where discerning consumers are looking for unique food experiences.

The program is designed to appeal to people across the food chain, from farmers to retailers, chefs and regional development officers—and to those just interested in great food.

Quadrant Australia has more than 20 years experience in hosting agriculture-related international tours.

The European Market Development and Study tour will be led by Rural Press science and environment writer, Matthew Cawood.

* Expressions of interest are now being sought. Tel. (02) 6772 9066, or email peter.lloyd@quadrantaustralia.com.