Food sovereignty relates to the ability of farmers, eaters, and distributors to make or influence important decisions about food and agriculture. Locally, this idea was further distilled through formulating a Food Charter. Relating to that development, our local governments recently made moves to strengthen regional food sovereignty. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) & the City of Prince George adopted a Regional Agriculture Strategy and a non-binding endorsement of that Food Charter, respectively. While these entities do not directly participate in the creation or distribution of food, they do have a certain amount of influence over the matter, and can support participants to strengthen the “PG Foodscape”.
CFURadio spoke to RDFFG’s General Manager of Community and Development Services, Kenna Jonkman, their Agriculture Coordinator, Shirlena Oudith, and the City’s Supervisor of Civic Initiatives & Partnerships Division, Sarah Brown about how they currently see their local government’s role in supporting local food sovereignty. Both participate in the local Food Policy Council coordinated by Everyone at the Table, but engage in different strategies to support citizens. Centrally, the City attempts to support non-profits with grant funding, while the Regional District tries to connect food system players with each other. Both are working to leverage the existing actors within the food system to further develop food sovereignty.
- Ian Gregg, CFURadio 88.7FM, Due North News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
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