The ale world has changed since CAMRA was set up to protect drinkers and brewers of quality ales from a deluge of industrial alternatives. In a way, it is a victim of its own success, given the growth in popularity of craft beer and the explosion of micro-breweries, which it helped to foster. But now CAMRA is wondering what its role should be, and is asking its 177,000 members for guidance.
One of the four founders, Michael Hardman, has come back to lead what is being called the Revitalisation Project: a wholesale review of the purpose and strategy of CAMRA. Options on the table include becoming a consumer organisation for all beer drinkers, all pub goers regardless of what they drink, or even all alcohol drinkers, regardless of where they drink it.
Apart from anything else, these options could produce some challenging acronyms. Read about Sustain's campaign work across the food system here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.