[BCFSN] Please fill out our survey by December 18

[Brent Mansfield]

HI Abra,
I don't know if it's just my computer, but the link for strategic plan
doesn't work.

Dawn

On Fri, December 4, 2015 3:35 pm, Abra Brynne wrote:
> 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/>.
> _______________________________________________
> This is the public mailing list of the BC Food Systems Network.
> Our email address: food at bcfsn.org
> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your settings:
> http://bcfsn.org/mailman/listinfo/food_bcfsn.org
> Our guidelines on listserv etiquette:
> http://fooddemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/BCFSN_Listserv_Guidel
> ines.pdf To contact the list administrator, email food-owner at bcfsn.org


BC Food Systems Network
Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Mobile: 778.879.5106
Website: http://indigenousfoodsystems.org/