January 27, 2010

Models and Best Practices for Building Effective Local Food Systems in Ontario

To eat is to participate in a global system, but few of us understand how this system works and our role within it. On the one hand, we have witnessed the rise of a streamlined, vertically-integrated system. On the other hand, alternative food systems have surfaced that emphasize local production, distribution and consumption. The local food movement carries with it the potential to build and foster more sustainable food systems. A local food system minimizes the distance from field to fork, with opportunities to foster long-term local economic resilience, environmental stewardship, quality food access and community and cultural integrity through a food-educated public. Summary of research by student team at the University of Guelph.

New farmers’ market launches at CBC

Toronto is getting a new winter’s farmers’ market. The Regional ‘n’ Artisanal Food Market launches Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will run monthly until April in the Barbara Frum Atrium at CBC (250 Front St. W. ). It’s the brainchild of Gurth Pretty, owner of Cheese of Canada. “In a city the size of Toronto, I do not understand why there are so few indoor regional food markets,” Pretty wrote in a news release. “During the summer months, my staff and I participate at six farmers’ markets each week in the GTA, selling Canadian artisanal cheese. Once Thanksgiving passes by, (we) and many other vendors are homeless. We have product to sell but there are so few indoor winter-market venues.” Toronto Star story.

December Icewine festival event suffers a ‘high-class headache’

The ruins of the massive sculpture on Main Street in Jordan was as clear a sign as any that something was different with this year’s Niagara Icewine Festival event. The ice sculpture — a stylized snowflake — cracked and crumbled when someone leaned on it for a photograph. The warm weather had so weakened the sculpture that it just fell apart with a little bit of pressure. “The ice pillars are holding up OK, but you can see even they are melting,” said Dori Andrews, events manager for the Twenty Valley Tourism Association, which organized the weekend event on Main Street. “But that’s OK. The weather is great and the turnout is fantastic.” St. Catharines Standard story.

Changes in the works for Cellared in Canada wine

The people have spoken, and the Ontario wine industry appears to have listened. After months of debate over labels used for Canadian-made wines containing a blend of domestic and foreign grapes, a committee has recommended turfing the contentious Cellared in Canada term that many believe misleads consumers. Being proposed by the group of wineries and Liquor Board of Ontario executives is changing labels to say ‘Blended from International and Canadian Wines’ on the front of bottles. St. Catharines Standard story.

Food association grows out of Pickering

It’s time to buy local when it comes to food, says a new group stemming out of Pickering. The Durham Culinary Association, a social networking organization to build awareness of local food and to support Durham food producers, culinary professionals and artisan food manufacturers, recently started up, and has quickly gathered interest from local restaurants, schools and politicians. Culinary Association co-founder Philippe Trepanier, a certified Chef Du Cuisine, a consultant with various hospitality venues, and Pickering resident, has long been thinking of a way for local chefs to interact and share knowledge about who’s growing what in the region. News DurhamRegion.com story.

Perth Beef Producers Told They Need Red Meat Coalition

Over 80 beef industry stakeholders gathered in Sebringville last night for the annual meeting of the Perth County Cattlemen’s Association.  The topics included the impact of government regulations on local abattoirs, the “One Voice” lobbying effort, and the need for a “cost of production risk management program”. Bill Jeffrey has served as President for three years, but announced intentions to step down. He says changes at the farm level are desperately needed. Jeffrey says there needs to be a marketing strategy for all red meat because currently retailers have the control. He says the farm organizations have to join together to form a “red meat coalition.” He says it’s now time for producers to get an honest share of the consumer dollar.CKNX Wingham Radio story.

Locally Lambton map being revised for 2010

The Lambton Federation of Agriculture (LFA) and several local partners will launch a third printing of the Locally Lambton Food and Fun Map in May. The map, first printed in 2006 and again in 2008, helps people locate businesses in Lambton at which they can buy locally produced items. The map will also be online. Today’s Farmer story.

Durham Food Charter can move ahead

A Pickering councillor and advocate of local agriculture was thrilled to learn of funding for a new initiative in Durham. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation announced Jan. 22 it was providing $35,000 to the Community Development Council Durham to get the ball rolling on the Durham Region Food Charter. News DurhamRegion.com story.

Revisit the Simcoe plan

Queen’s Park is obliged to pay close attention when one of its own top planners warns that a provincial strategy meant to reduce urban sprawl and protect the environment will, in fact, do the opposite. That’s what’s in store for the Simcoe region, north of the GTA, if Ontario proceeds with its flawed intentions, according to Victor Doyle, manager of community planning at the ministry of municipal affairs. Tellingly, this senior civil servant made his views known as a “private citizen,” with a written response to the province’s call for public input on the strategic growth plan for Simcoe. The Simcoe growth plan is the responsibility of the ministry of infrastructure, not municipal affairs. One can only speculate on how far communications between these two branches of government have deteriorated when a veteran bureaucrat feels it necessary to go outside the system in order to be heard. Toronto Star editorial.

Greenbelt Council’s Progress Report 2009

Council has been very vocal about raising a variety of concerns this year and we have provided advice to you and your government on a variety of Greenbelt related issues that was often beyond the mandate of your ministry. Because of this, Council felt it needed to establish a protocol that would set out its expectations with respect to a reasonable timeframe by which your colleagues should respond to our letters of advice as they pertain to their particular mandates. I am pleased to report that our Greenbelt Council web pages are regularly updated to include new appointments, minutes from every Greenbelt Council meeting, all of our letters of advice as well as the respective responses from yourself and your colleagues. Greenbelt Council Progress Report posted on the website of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

AND if You Have Time

‘Uncle Jello’ by Nouar

Currently on display at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City, CA is “The Multiplane Group Show” which includes the piece “Uncle Jello” by the artist Nouar. She also posted some great behind-the-scenes shots on her blog revealing the process in making it. Photos of the process.

Perspectives on good food and farming

January 20, 2010

Canada Bread to Build $100M Bakery in SW Ontario

It intends to make a choice by the end of March, yet so far hasn’t contacted any municipalities.

Distribution costs will be a key consideration and that makes communities between Guelph and London prime candidates. Weston’s has its main bakery in Kitchener and Maidstone Bakeries, which supplies Tim Horton’s outlets, chose Brantford in 2007 for its $30-million bakery. Canada Bread intends to close three Toronto-area bakeries, at a cost of $25 million, in a related development. One each will close in early 2011, 2012 and 2013. The 435 employees can compete for the 300 jobs at the new plant or for positions in other facilities owned by Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Farms.com story.

Markham’s food belt

In a nod to advocates of locally grown produce, Markham town council is considering creation of a “food belt” outside currently built up areas. This would effectively freeze outward urban expansion. While developers understandably bristle at such restrictions, there are good reasons to welcome this bold initiative. Toronto Star opinion.

Distribution and Local Retailers Barrier To Local Food Growth

Crops day at Grey Bruce Farmers week heard there’s no question about the demand for local food. But Mike Schreiner says lack of distribution and retailers is a barrier to growth in that market. He says farmers can get around that by working together to supply a cooperative or private enterprise. Schreiner also advocates a buy local requirement for public institutions like schools and hospitals as a way to boost the market for local food producers. CKNX Wingham Radio AM920 story.

Caterer likes local

A new Peterborough-based catering business is bringing the area’s fresh seasonal ingredients as close as your local table — even in the dead of winter. “This is about taste education based on my clients’ needs,” said Peggy Baillie, the chef and owner of Local Table. Her new catering business creates made-to-order menus using only local ingredients based on their seasonal availability, she said. Peterborough Examiner story.

Northern Ontario ag study released

A recently released economic impact study shows more northern Ontario farmland is coming into production and growing demand will strengthen the economies of the area’s agriculture industry and community. The study was a collaboration between stakeholder groups in the districts of Thunder Bay, Rainy River, Kenora and Cochrane. Anne Howden Thompsonwriting for Farm Credit Canada Express.

Sheep farming gaining in popularity

Raising sheep is environmentally friendly because they are mostly on pasture, use marginal lands and the industry is not dependent on the export market that uses so much fossil fuel to ship commodities. “We don’t leave a big carbon footprint in our industry,” said Murray Hunt, manager of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA). Although the number of sheep farmers has increased by a whopping 30% in Ontario in the last eight years, imports still account for 59% of the lamb people eat. Owen Sound Sun Times story.

Waterloo Region Food Summit videos available

The videos produced at the Waterloo Region Food Summit have been added to the website of the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable, including the presentations made by The STOP’s Kathryn Scharf and agricultural policy analyst Elbert van Donkersgoed. DVD copies of all the video coverage from the Summit may be purchased for $10 by emailing the Roundtable.

GTA Chefs raise $5000 for U of Guelph’s Organic Agriculture Program

Over 40 GTA Chefs Joined Together In September 2009 to Raise Funds for the University of Guelph’s Organic Agriculture Program. While serving freshly prepared and succulent organic foods to hundreds of appreciative Feast of Fields guests, over 40 top GTA chefs (including celebrity Chefs Michael Smith, Jamie Kennedy and Brad Long) did not lose sight of the ultimate goal – to raise funds for the University of Guelph’s Organic Agriculture program. The Feast of Fields cheque presentation will be held at the 29th Annual Guelph Organic Conference and Expo. Feast of Fields news release.

Complicated issues challenge those working to preserve farmland

While it’s not easy to create a natural environment land trust, establishing a farmland trust is even more difficult. The chair of the Ontario Farmland Trust says one reason relates to economics. “The real problem is not with the easements, it’s about finding people to farm the land – and make a profit doing it,” Dr. Stew Hilts says. “There’s no point in protecting farmland as a nature preserve if the purpose (of an easement) is to support active farming.” Today’s Farmer story.

Raising the Bar for Sustainability Performance in Ontario’s Food and Beverage Processing Industry

Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), the Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC) and the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA), are working together to reduce the environmental footprint and increase the competitiveness of Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry. This will be achieved by developing practical tools and a “how-to” framework for implementing an integrated sustainability strategy. The project will be implemented in three phases over a three-year period. The project is currently in Phase One. Project factsheet (1.5MB PDF)

AND if You Have Time

Sorry, Vegans: Brussels Sprouts Like to Live, Too

But before we cede the entire moral penthouse to “committed vegetarians” and “strong ethical vegans,” we might consider that plants no more aspire to being stir-fried in a wok than a hog aspires to being peppercorn-studded in my Christmas clay pot. This is not meant as a trite argument or a chuckled aside. Plants are lively and seek to keep it that way. The more that scientists learn about the complexity of plants — their keen sensitivity to the environment, the speed with which they react to changes in the environment, and the extraordinary number of tricks that plants will rally to fight off attackers and solicit help from afar — the more impressed researchers become, and the less easily we can dismiss plants as so much fiberfill backdrop, passive sunlight collectors on which deer, antelope and vegans can conveniently graze. It’s time for a green revolution, a reseeding of our stubborn animal minds. Natalie Angier writing in The New York Times.

Perspectives on good food and farming

January 18, 2010

Government to lead on food purchasing

The UK government plans to “lead by example” on sustainable food procurement to boost domestic production.
The public sector will aim to buy more local and sustainable produce in a bid to encourage other consumers to do the same. It is hoped this will help to secure the UK’s future food supplies as the population grows and climate change adversely affects agriculture.

Unveiling the Food 2030 strategy at the Oxford Farming Conference yesterday, environment secretary Hilary Benn said: “Food security is as important to this country’s future well-being – and the world’s – as energy security. We need to produce more food. We need to do it sustainably. And we need to make sure that what we eat safeguards our health.”SupplyManagment.com story.

Chef’s Think Local is Hot in 2010 (again!)

The results are in from the annual National Restaurant Association survey of American Culinary Federation member chefs. The results are a comprehensive culinary forecast including a menu trends prediction report. More than 1,800 professional chefs ranked nearly 215 culinary items as a “hot trend,” “yesterday’s news,” or “perennial favorite” on restaurant menus in 2010. Ranking in the Top 20 Trends are: #1 Locally Grown Produce, #2 Locally Sourced Meats and Seafood, #3 Sustainability, #10 Sustainable Seafood, #12 Organic Produce and #20 Fruit/Vegetable Children’s Side Items. 2010 ChefSurvey (3MB PDF). YouTube video.

Can farming save Detroit?

Then one day about a year and a half ago, Hantz had a revelation. “We need scarcity,” he thought to himself as he drove past block after unoccupied block. “We can’t create opportunities, but we can create scarcity.” And that, he says one afternoon in his living room between puffs on an expensive cigar, “is how I got onto this idea of the farm.” Yes, a farm. A large-scale, for-profit agricultural enterprise, wholly contained within the city limits of Detroit. CNNMONEY.COM/DETROIT story.

Is Local Food More Expensive?

Interest in local food systems has increased dramatically as has the number of farmers’ markets in Iowa and nationwide. This growing popularity has sparked a common question: Is local food more expensive than its non-local counterpart? A research scan finds a dearth of studies showing the prices consumers pay for locally grown food products. Given these developments, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture’s Marketing and Food Systems Initiative conducted consumer market research in June, July, and August 2009 to examine what Iowa consumers pay for locally grown products and how these prices compare to non-local market channel prices. Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture report.

MO Farmers Feed us launches Website

​A new branding campaign from the Center for Food Integrity hopes to increase consumer confidence in the food production system by introducing people to local farmers in five states. At the Web site, Farmers Feed Us, you can learn about farm families from Missouri, as well as Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. The site launched yesterday and looks like an attempt to tap into the locavore movement — putting a smaller face on the world of agribusiness. This feels like a high-tech version of the old wooden billboard on I-70 — one Kansas farmer feeds 128 people and you. There is also a contest to win free groceries for a year. The Pitch Kansas City blog.

London could significantly increase its food production

A report issued this month by the London Assembly suggests that London could significantly increase its food production, particularly on underutilized agricultural land in the city’s Green Belt, if current planning obstacles were lifted.  The report calls on Mayor Boris Johnson to make the following key changes to the London Plan, and local planning policies, to encourage the growth of urban food production: •        Ensure that London’s Green Belt Policy explicitly encourages food growing as one of the most beneficial land uses in the Green Belt. Research by the Assembly found that commercial farmers faced pressure from housing development and were often hindered in their efforts to expand their farming infrastructure or to diversify through the construction of on-farm retail facilities by planning policies designed to minimize development in the Green Belt. Report: Cultivating the Capital: Food growing and the planning system in London (.5MB PDF).

Local food fights climate change?

As agricultural experts met in Copenhagen last weekend to gingerly build consensus on agriculture’s role in climate change, some agriculture producers in Canada offered another solution to farming’s cost on the environment — change the way farming is practised. “We clearly need to reverse directions,” says Darrin Qualman, the director of research for the National Farmers Union. “We need to move towards lower emission agriculture and that means changing direction away from industrialized agriculture and globalization of the food system, but farmers need not fear that,” he says. Canadian Press story on Farm Credit Canada Express.

Community in Crisis Looks to Its Agricultural Roots

Renowned for its historic Native American pueblo, cultural ties to Spain, bohemian artists, and world-class ski resort, Taos is also one of the many communities in the U.S. facing food insecurity. But the region was once the breadbasket of northern New Mexico, and a grassroots movement is seeking to position it as a model for sustainable agriculture. One recent cold Saturday in January, board members of a small non-profit gathered in a greenhouse heated with bio-fuel and bursting with ripe lettuces and spinach. Tierra Lucero’s mission, according to their website, is “to support food and energy sovereignty for our community”. Inter Press Service story.

Is this the end of food as we know it?

A new film paints an apocalyptic picture of a world reduced to tinned goods. But could it ever happen here, asks Bee Wilson on the Telegraph.co.uk website.

Nine Recommendations for Legislation to Protect Our Community Gardens

1. Strengthening language from the State Attorney General’s agreement to protect the rights of community gardens. 2. All remaining Housing Preservation Department which can be developed as community gardens or housing to become permanent GreenThumb Parks Department gardens. Complete list on the website of the New York City Community Gardens Coalition.

AND if You Have Time

Even real farmers play Facebook game FarmVille — 74 Million Users per Day

A social media game about farming has skyrocketed to popularity on Facebook, attracting more than 73.8 million daily users worldwide just six months after it was launched. FarmVille, developed by the California gaming firm Zynga, is the most popular game among Facebook’s 350 million users. It allows the ordinary city person to become a virtual farmer. You can get up at virtual dawn, plant virtual crops and raise virtual animals, even buy virtual little red tractors. Users say it is addictive, thanks to the satisfaction of seeing your harvest grow in size.

But what do real farmers think? CBC.ca story.