Local Food and You Presentation

8/9/2019 Local Food and You Presentation

1/50

Local FoodLocal Food

and Youand You

Vancouver CoastalVancouver Coastal

Health Authority, JuneHealth Authority, June

1717thth, 2008, 2008

...Where are we headed?...Where are we headed?


2/50

OutlineOutline

Overview of BCOverview of BCs Food Lands and Food Selfs Food Lands and Food Self--

RelianceReliance

Why Local Food?Why Local Food?

What Food is Produced Locally?What Food is Produced Locally?BC MALBC MALs Emerging Focus on Local Foods Emerging Focus on Local Food

Where Do We Go From Here?Where Do We Go From Here?


3/50

BCBCs Food Landss Food Lands

BCBCs food is mainly produced in valleyss food is mainly produced in valleys


4/50


Very different growing regionsVery different growing regions

has as much variation within thehas as much variation within the

province as in all of Canadaprovince as in all of Canada


5/50


Small land baseSmall land base


6/50


Has some of the best landHas some of the best land

and growingand growing conditionsconditions

to be found in Northto be found in North

America and the worldAmerica and the world


7/50

- ALR

5% of Province5% of Province

4.7 million hectares4.7 million hectaresALR in BC



8/50

B.C. is the most urbanized

province in Canada - 84.7%

Two Areas of B.C. ContainTwo Areas of B.C. Contain::

2.7%2.7% of Provincial Land Areaof Provincial Land Area

81%81% of BCof BCs Populations Population (2001)(2001)

81%81% of Annual Gross Farm Receiptsof Annual Gross Farm Receipts ($2000)($2000)

ALR in BC


9/50

Special Emphasis: The Fraser ValleySpecial Emphasis: The Fraser Valley

Fraser Valley #1 in Canada in:Fraser Valley #1 in Canada in:


10/50

Farm Gate Receipts for Fraser Valley wereFarm Gate Receipts for Fraser Valley were

1.65 billion dollars in 2006; 2.65 billion1.65 billion dollars in 2006; 2.65 billiondollars for province.dollars for province.

--62% of total for province62% of total for province

Special Emphasis: The Fraser ValleySpecial Emphasis: The Fraser Valley

Fraser Valley #1 in Canada in:Fraser Valley #1 in Canada in:

Fraser Valley is top growingFraser Valley is top growingarea in world for higharea in world for high--bushbush

blueberriesblueberries


11/50

The Fraser ValleyThe Fraser Valley

One of most efficientOne of most efficient

places in North Americaplaces in North America

to produce milkto produce milk


12/50

The Food Production in the Fraser Valley isThe Food Production in the Fraser Valley is

AmazingAmazing


13/50

1. Small Red Bean (dried)

2. Wild blueberry

3. Red kidney bean

4. Pinto bean

5. Blueberry (cultivated)

6. Cranberry

7. Artichoke (cooked)

8. Blackberry

9. Prune

10. Raspberry

Top Twenty Antioxidant FoodsTop Twenty Antioxidant Foods

11. Strawberry

12. Red Delicious apple

13. Granny Smith apple

14. Pecan

15. Sweet cherry

16. Black plum

17. Russet potato

18. Black bean (dried)

19. Plum

20. Gala apple

Contact: Michael BernsteinContact: Michael Bernstein American Chemical SocietyAmerican Chemical Society

TheThe Fraser ValleyFraser Valley and theand the OkanaganOkanagan can Grow Some ofcan Grow Some of

our Healthiest Foodsour Healthiest Foods


14/50

SupplySupply 53%53% of what we consume (including fish)of what we consume (including fish)

SupplySupply 61%61% iif we take out fruits, vegetables andf we take out fruits, vegetables and

sugar that we cansugar that we cant grow in BC due to climatict grow in BC due to climatic

and economic reasonsand economic reasons

SupplySupply 34%34% if we ate according to Canadaif we ate according to Canadass

food guidefood guide

BCBCs Food Selfs Food Self--RelianceReliance

BC is approximately 50% foodBC is approximately 50% food

selfself--sufficientsufficient


15/50

Land Needs for Food SelfLand Needs for Food Self--RelianceReliance

How Much Land do British Columbians need?How Much Land do British Columbians need?

Each British Columbians food footprint is 0.524

(about 6 city lots)

For a healthy diet, we need 2.15 million hectares offood producing land (with appropriate climate and soils

and water)

Currently we need 215,000 ha of irrigated land

2005- 189,000 ha of land had access to irrigation

If BC is to become more food self-sufficient we have a shortage ofland with climate suitable for intensive agriculture and with access

to irrigation


16/50

For Perspective:For Perspective: RichmondRichmonds Land Availabilitys Land Availability

Richmond has only 5% of the landRichmond has only 5% of the land

base in its ALR for meeting its totalbase in its ALR for meeting its total

food requirements.food requirements.


17/50

For Perspective:For Perspective:

Land Availability inLand Availability in

VancouverVancouver

According to 1976According to 1976land estimates, allland estimates, all

arable land inarable land in

Vancouver couldVancouver couldsupply 1.5% of thesupply 1.5% of the

total dietary needstotal dietary needs

of Vancouveritesof Vancouverites

Potential Impact of UrbanPotential Impact of Urban

Agriculture in VancouverAgriculture in Vancouver,,

Mark Bomford, UBC,Mark Bomford, UBC,06/05/200806/05/2008


18/50


Concerns about Food Security with the sudden increase inConcerns about Food Security with the sudden increase ingrain prices, concerns about diversion of food crops tograin prices, concerns about diversion of food crops to

ethanolethanol


19/50



ethanolethanol


20/50



ethanolethanol


21/50


Concerns about Food Security in the face of ClimateConcerns about Food Security in the face of ClimateChangeChange

Climate change has set in motion changes that will take centurieClimate change has set in motion changes that will take centuries tos to

unfoldunfold

Water resources

vulnerabilities

(IPCC AR4 WG2,

Chapter 3; base

mapwater stress

indicator, from

Alcamo et al, 2003)

WaterWater

shortagesshortages


22/50

Implications of High Energy CostsImplications of High Energy Costs

Fossil Fuels

used in:

fertilizer

pesticides

tillage

storage,

heating,

cooling,processing

Transportation costs of food rise with higher energyTransportation costs of food rise with higher energycosts, especially fresh food, and bulk liquids like milkcosts, especially fresh food, and bulk liquids like milk


23/50

We must continue to pay close attention to the health ofWe must continue to pay close attention to the health of

our food lands, and our agriculture production system toour food lands, and our agriculture production system to

secure our food suppliessecure our food supplies

In future we will likely become more dependant on reliableIn future we will likely become more dependant on reliable

agriculture zones close to urban centers for our foodagriculture zones close to urban centers for our food


24/50

What Foods do We Produce Locally?What Foods do We Produce Locally?

All the liquid milk and creamAll the liquid milk and cream

that we consume is producedthat we consume is produced

in BCin BC

Most of ourMost of our

milkmilkproductionproduction

is in theis in the

FraserFraserValley,Valley,

followed byfollowed by

the OKthe OK


25/50


Most of the chicken, turkeyMost of the chicken, turkeymeat and eggs that wemeat and eggs that we

consume is produced locallyconsume is produced locally


26/50


Probably all of theProbably all of thehighhigh--bush blueberrybush blueberry

that we eat, as aboutthat we eat, as about

of the worldof the worldssproduction is in theproduction is in the

Fraser ValleyFraser Valley


27/50


Many of the raspberries thatMany of the raspberries thatwe eat; the Abbotsfordwe eat; the Abbotsford--SumasSumas

area is the most importantarea is the most important

area for raspberry productionarea for raspberry productionin North Americain North America


28/50


About 1/3 of the cranberriesAbout 1/3 of the cranberriesthat we eat are likely grownthat we eat are likely grown

in the Fraser Valleyin the Fraser Valley


29/50


Most of the greenhouseMost of the greenhousevegetables that we eat invegetables that we eat in

season are likely grown hereseason are likely grown here


30/50


Many types of mushroomsMany types of mushrooms

that we eat are grown herethat we eat are grown here


31/50


Many of the tree fruits thatMany of the tree fruits thatwe eat in season are grownwe eat in season are grown

(predominantly) in the(predominantly) in the

OkanaganOkanagan


32/50


Many of the fieldMany of the fieldvegetables that we eatvegetables that we eat

in season are grown inin season are grown in

the Fraser Valley andthe Fraser Valley andaround the provincearound the province

Wh F d d W P d L ll ?


33/50


Many niche foods for ourMany niche foods for our

diverse ethnic populationdiverse ethnic population

and restaurantsand restaurants

Wh F d d W P d L ll ?Wh t F d d W P d L ll ?


34/50


Many niche foods for ourMany niche foods for ourdiverse ethnic populationdiverse ethnic population

and restaurantsand restaurants

G t P t S t L l F d P d tiG t P t S t L l F d P d ti


35/50

Government Programs to Support Local Food ProductionGovernment Programs to Support Local Food Production

The B.C. Agriculture PlanThe B.C. Agriculture Plan

Visionary view for the futureVisionary view for the future

Making agriculture a leader inMaking agriculture a leader in

reducing climate change impactsreducing climate change impacts

G t P t S t L l F d P d tiG t P t S t L l F d P d ti


36/50


The B.C. Agriculture PlanThe B.C. Agriculture Plan

Focussed on promoting BCFocussed on promoting BC

food productsfood products

Reconnecting BritishReconnecting British

Columbians with locallyColumbians with locally

grown foodgrown food

G t P t S t L l F d P d tiGovernment Programs to Support Local Food Production


37/50


1.1. Farm BC!Farm BC! Ensure that farmers have access to land andEnsure that farmers have access to land andwater and that farming is profitablewater and that farming is profitable

this is in placethis is in placeongoing work of the Ministry of Agricultureongoing work of the Ministry of Agriculture



38/50


2.2. Urban/Rural ConnectionUrban/Rural Connection

programs are in place or are under developmentprograms are in place or are under development

These programs help with engaging people with local and healthyThese programs help with engaging people with local and healthy

foodfood

CommunityCommunity

Gardens are aGardens are a

new initiative thatnew initiative that

are underwayare underway



39/50


2.2. Urban/Rural ConnectionUrban/Rural Connection

There is a CommunityThere is a Community

Garden initiativeGarden initiative

specifically for Firstspecifically for First

Nations CommunitiesNations Communities



40/50


2.2. Urban/rural connectionUrban/rural connection-- strong growth in farmerstrong growth in farmerss

marketsmarketsFarmers marketsFarmers markets promote healthy eating, build communitypromote healthy eating, build community

The Trout Lake MarketThe Trout Lake Market

Currently there are over 105Currently there are over 105farmers markets running in BCfarmers markets running in BC

The West End MarketThe West End Market



41/50


2. Urban2. Urban--Rural ConnectionRural Connection ----AgriAgri--tourismtourism

AgriAgri--tourism educates people regarding agriculture,tourism educates people regarding agriculture,

and connects participants with their local agricultureand connects participants with their local agriculture

and healthy foodand healthy food



42/50


3. Agriculture in the Classroom Initiatives3. Agriculture in the Classroom Initiatives

Need children to develop a connection to agricultureNeed children to develop a connection to agriculture

(a)(a)Average age of farmers is quite high and population of childrenAverage age of farmers is quite high and population of children

coming off farms is quite low, therefore need children fromcoming off farms is quite low, therefore need children from

urban settings to study agriculture or farm as a careerurban settings to study agriculture or farm as a career

(b)(b)Encourage children to eat local healthy food, food with a storyEncourage children to eat local healthy food, food with a story

4. Food and Health Initiatives4. Food and Health Initiatives


43/50


Healthy food needs to be affordable, accessibleHealthy food needs to be affordable, accessibleLocal food varieties can favour flavour over shelf lifeLocal food varieties can favour flavour over shelf life

Increasing engagement with healthy food may increase itsIncreasing engagement with healthy food may increase its

consumptionconsumption



44/50


There are several programs at least partly funded byThere are several programs at least partly funded bythe Ministry of Health:the Ministry of Health:

Community Food Action InitiativeCommunity Food Action Initiative

Farm to School ProgramFarm to School Program

Healthy Food and Beverage Vending ProgramHealthy Food and Beverage Vending Program

MALMAL--MoH Project and Common Interest Food PolicyMoH Project and Common Interest Food Policy

EatSmartBCEatSmartBC

Partners in Healthy EatingPartners in Healthy Eating

5. Food Miles and Branding5. Food Miles and Branding


45/50

5. Food Miles and Branding5. Food Miles and Branding

an educational componentan educational component

on 'how to' eat locallyon 'how to' eat locally

under developmentunder development

includes a webincludes a web--based foodbased food

miles calculatormiles calculator


46/50

Delivery of existing programsDelivery of existing programs

continues including ongoingcontinues including ongoing

support for community gardenssupport for community gardens

Where do we go from here?Where do we go from here?


47/50

Branding and Food Miles programsBranding and Food Miles programs

will be launched in the fallwill be launched in the fall..

The Ministry of AgricultureThe Ministry of Agriculture

and Lands is reand Lands is re--focusing effortsfocusing effortsto ensure ongoing support forto ensure ongoing support for

local food initiativeslocal food initiatives

SummarySummary


48/50

yy

BCBCs food lands comprise less than 5% of BCs food lands comprise less than 5% of BCs land base, mainly ins land base, mainly inriver valleysriver valleys

The Fraser Valley is the local food growing region to VCH, andThe Fraser Valley is the local food growing region to VCH, and it isit is

one of the best foodone of the best food--producing regions in North Americaproducing regions in North America

Many foods found on our grocery shelves are grown locallyMany foods found on our grocery shelves are grown locally

SummarySummary


49/50

y

The BC MAL Agriculture Plan has a strong emphasis on connectingThe BC MAL Agriculture Plan has a strong emphasis on connecting

with, and enhancing locally grown food through programs such as:with, and enhancing locally grown food through programs such as:

developing community gardens, including in First Nationsdeveloping community gardens, including in First Nationscommunitiescommunities

improving the urban/agriculture connectionimproving the urban/agriculture connection

food miles and branding of local foodfood miles and branding of local food

Questions?Questions?


50/50

QQ

Local Food and You Presentation

Documents

Transcript of Local Food and You Presentation