[BCFSN] Sustainable Local Foods Certificate Program

[Erin Rowsell]

Hello all,

The BC Food Systems Network welcomes the December 2nd release of the B.C.
Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan and the Opposition Standing
Committee for Agriculture and Food's first report.

The BC Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Plan
<http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood> is more
goal focused, aspiring to increase provincial revenues from the agrifood
and seafood sectors to $15B a year by 2020. This report does not shy away
from some of the challenges facing BC, including adapting to the impacts of
climate change and maintaining a secure food supply. There are several
goals and actions that align with several of our priority areas in
sustainable local food systems, including a stronger focus on more on
domestic markets, support for new entrants, infrastructure to support more
local processing and distribution, and local food procurement policies for
public sector institutions. While it is gratifying to see seafood fully
integrated into the plan, the BC Food Systems Network's long commitment to
the health of wild salmon and the ecosystems they inhabit causes us to view
the actions proposed on the aquaculture sector with some reservations. The
implementation of the Plan will occur under the oversight of the Minister's
Agrifood Advisory Committee, on which sit some of the Network's members and
allies. The Plan also commits to a conference for further engagement of the
industry and public on the implementation of the Plan.

The Opposition Standing Committee for Agriculture and Food's first report
<http://bcagcom.blogspot.ca/> is based on 6 months of consultation across
the province, at which many Network members presented. This consultation
harkens back to the early days of the Network when we collaborated across
our communities to deliver locally-grounded but consistent messages to the
1999 tour of the province to the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture
and Fisheries. The 2015 report focuses on changes needed in existing policy
to better improve the business environment for BC's farmers. Importantly,
the report does not shy away from the difficulties facing farmers and seeks
to address, through the 26 recommendations, the challenges and barriers for
existing and new farmers. Given the report's statement that "BC is the only
province in Canada where total net [farm] income has been negative for the
past five years" this report contributes important insights into just why
this reality persists for so many of BC farmers.



The vision of sustainable and just food systems
<http://bcfsn.org/about-the-network/> held by the BC Food Systems Network
is broader than that captured in either document. The Network's commitment
to Indigenous food sovereignty and to addressing food insecurity are
noticeable omissions. However, both documents and processes present
important opportunities for Network members and others to engage in the
work of achieving our vision of healthy, just and sustainable food systems
for all. The Network will continue to engage in these processes and with
other partners and initiatives to influence policy and practice.


in good food,
Abra

Abra Brynne, Director Engagement & Policy
BC Food Systems Network
abra at bcfsn.org
Ph: 250.352.5342 // mobile: 250.777.2480
I am in the office: tuesday, wednesday and thursday.
www.bcfsn.org

Please consider supporting us <http://bcfsn.org/donate/>.
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