Food and Agriculture Advisory Council Report 2019

For immediate release from the:
Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and Akwesasne Food and Agricultural Council (FAAC)

 

Food and Agricultural Council continues efforts to advance
economic and community development across the region

 

(Photo: Gina Dragone Photography, Against the Grain Farms, North Dundas, ON)

February 20th, 2019 – Food is the backbone of Eastern Ontario. It is what binds our country together.
Agriculture, food and beverage processing, retail, and restaurants remain important drivers for
economic and community development across the region.

A new recommendation report released this week by the Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry,
and Akwesasne Food and Agricultural Advisory Council (FAAC) lays the groundwork for developing
better support to local farm and food businesses, addressing gaps along the agri-food value chain, and
promoting food literacy and culinary tourism across the region.

The FAAC was established in June 2017 as a short-term initiative under the All Things Food (ATF) and
Social Development Council (SDC) umbrella to investigate opportunities for strengthening our local food
economy and community. Initial funding for the work was secured through the Eastern Ontario
Development Fund with leveraged contributions from several community partners.

“The FAAC stems from years of work, research, and partner recommendations from the ATF network
and community partners.” Carilyne Hebert, Executive Director of the SDC. “We were very excited to
incubate the project and see it develop into an incredible strategic working group for our community.”

Over an 18-month project timeframe, the FAAC connected with a diverse group of local stakeholders
employed in the food production and processing, retail and hospitality, and tourism. The work included
organized focus groups, pilot projects, educational certification seminars, and networking events
centred on food sector priorities for the region.

Some unexpected highlights from the project include the Sprouting New Connections workshop series,
the arranged visit of Mr. Jim Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Canada last September, the first regionally
hosted Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance networking event in October, and a new partnership with Agri-
East Lowlands which aims to advance agri-technology, tourism, and education in Eastern Ontario.
“I attended several of the events hosted by FAAC and was impressed with the excellent guest speakers,
general organization, and professional atmosphere.” Says Tamara Lang of Langview Farms. “This project
has made great headway for the region by helping our area make strides into emerging markets. I look
forward to seeing the FAAC fulfill its future goals.”

Having synthesized a list of recommendations, the FAAC is now seeking new membership, sustainable
leadership, and the necessary funds to begin work. Several presentations to municipal councils,
businesses, and community partners have been scheduled for March, with the primary goal of
establishing a permanent Food and Agriculture Advisory Council for this region. Those looking to get
involved are encouraged to connect with Carilyne Hébert, Executive Director for the Social Development
Council, at chebert@sdccornwall.ca or 613-930-0211.

The FAAC Project Report and associated resources are available here:

FAAC Phase 1 Summary Report and Recommendations (FINAL) February 18 2019

The FAAC Summary Reports are available here:

2-Page At-A-Glance FAAC Report

10 page FAAC Report Summary

FRANCAIS

 

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