Locavore News – Canada
Posted: May 4, 2010
Categories: News from Sustain Ontario
- Product of Canada Online Consultation
- Liberals Release National Food Policy Plans
- Good ideas, little sustenance, in Liberal food policy
- Food security not possible without changing our attitudes
- 2010 Urban Agriculture Apprenticeship – Vancouver, BC
- Finding a niche for 120 goats in the suburbs
- Big city has room for farmers
- With chickens in backyard, problems may come home to roost
- Produce lady knows best
- The Canadian Pioneer: The Genesis of Urban Food Policy in Toronto
Perspectives on good food and farming by Elbert van Donkersgoed
May 4, 2010
Product of Canada Online Consultation
The Government of Canada brought “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” guidelines into force on December 31, 2008, to provide families with the information they need to choose Canadian foods produced by our farmers and processors. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would now like to consult Canadian consumers on proposed changes to these guidelines. Specifically, the CFIA would like to obtain views on a proposal to exempt specific ingredients which are difficult to find in Canada. CFIA consultationwebsite.
Liberals Release National Food Policy Plans
Reflecting these principles, a future Liberal government will implement a National Food Policy beginning with 5 core areas for action: healthy living, safe food, sustainable farm incomes, environmental farmland stewardship and international leadership. Liberal Party of Canada news release.
Good ideas, little sustenance, in Liberal food policy
The national food policy announced by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff last week contained the seeds of a sensible plan to link Canada’s struggling farmers to consumers who want healthy food. But it will take more work, more money and more boldness to turn his underdeveloped proposals into “Canada’s first comprehensive national food policy. â€Â Carol Goar writes in the Toronto Star.
Food security not possible without changing our attitudes
George Penfold, regional innovation chair at Selkirk College, doesn’t believe that we have a food security problem. What he does believe is that Canadians have an appetite problem instead. An appetite for inexpensive, convenient foods year round that is also reliant on using a great deal of agricultural land for one purpose – grain. If people are worried about the future of food, Penfold suggests that they start looking at how they eat. Penfold started his position with Selkirk three years ago with the purpose of providing information and research in support of community development issues in the West Kootenay / Boundary. Food has been a big part of conversations he’s been having as his work carries him around the region. Boundary Sentinel story.
2010 Urban Agriculture Apprenticeship – Vancouver, BC
My Urban Farm is a unique urban farm with a focus on organic vegetable and sunflower sprout production. Our sunflower sprouts have proven very popular at local markets and we will be doubling our production this season. We grow our sprouts outdoors (covered) in soil and transport them to market by bicycle. We also grow organic vegetables and are partnering with Inner City Farms to develop an urban CSA for the 2010 season and beyond. Â My Urban Farm is offering a paid urban agriculture apprenticeship position for the 2010 growing season. The position will be mainly focused on sunflower sprout production in East Vancouver. My Urban Farm.
Finding a niche for 120 goats in the suburbs
What they didn’t teach Samuel Ouimet in agricultural school in Joliette is something that he has had to learn for himself as a farmer in suburban Laval. Rule No. 1 for a suburban farmer: Clear out the manure from your barn on a weekday, after your neighbours have taken off on their morning commute. It’s little tricks like this one that have helped keep Ouimet and his 120-goat Ferme Au Clair de Lune on good terms with his neighbours in northeastern Laval. Montreal Gazette story.
Big city has room for farmers
The presence of cows, pigs and chickens, or the sight of a crop in bloom, helps to retain a city’s link with its agricultural past. It may seem strange for a city that is an oasis in a vast stretch of emptiness, but many Winnipeggers have no sense of the role of agriculture or natural resources in the life of the province and, indeed, its importance to the city. Most of us can’t tell the difference between flax and canola, or between a Jersey or a Hereford cow, or between a cash crop and a board-regulated grain. Farmers could actually use a little help in promoting the importance of what they do, particularly their husbandry of the land. The preservation of agricultural land in and near the city also means that local food production is still possible. At a time when the world is increasingly looking for green solutions, it just makes sense to hang on to some productive land in cities. Winnipeg FreePress editorial.
With chickens in backyard, problems may come home to roost
Chickens have become the urban accessories that demonstrate your locavore, foodie credentials. What could be more organic, more exclusive, more politically correct, than fresh-laid eggs in your own backyard? At least 100 North American cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver now have bylaws permitting residents to keep hens. Calgary is mulling the move. Now our city is considering a pilot project to allow a group called the River City Chicken Collective to set up six to 10 coops of up to six hens each around the city. Crowing roosters would be banned. Paula Simons writes in the Edmonton Journal.
Produce lady knows best
One of the latest food lessons I’ve learned of late is this: listen to your produce seller. Wei, whose family-run shop is my go-to for fruits and veggies every week, regularly offers helpful guidance – like gently chastising me for picking squishy citrus fruits and sending me back to reselect or, noticing my penchant for portobellos, pointing out the choicest ones. I love it best, however, when she enthusiastically shares something new and in season. Jessica Wong blogs at CBC News.
The Canadian Pioneer: The Genesis of Urban Food Policy in Toronto
Abstract: This paper details the foundational history and the present dynamics of the Toronto Food Policy Council (TFPC) as an example of successful food planning and policy in motion. The TFPC connects food issues with a suite of agendas to make the food lens more visible and relevant to policymakers, businesses, citizens/eaters, chefs, farmers, food processors and activists, among others. Since the inception of the TFPC, advocacy, enabling and mediation have been essential tools to keep food in the spotlight. As an agile and resourceful organization, the TFPC multiplies its modest resources to make a remarkable contribution to the Toronto food landscape. Key ingredients in achieving this success are the ‘can do’ attitude of the staff and volunteer board, the use of multifunctionality principles and skilful issue management. Notable TFPC contributions include: seminal food policy reports and processes; the celebration of local food communities and their champions; the on-going integration of rural and urban issues; shifting the discussion from food security to food sovereignty; and, the recent launch of the Toronto Food Strategy. By acting as a positive force for social change in Toronto, the TFPC is able to activate transformations that results in a more ‘just city’. informaworld.com
AND if You Have Time
Wikipedia on Controversial doughnut related items.