The National Food Strategy has launched a consultation phase to develop goals and action steps needed to achieve the nine objectives of the strategy. This blog will post draft goals and actions. We rely on your input to move forward in developing a working document. This information, along with information we receive from participants along the foodchain, will be amalgamated by December 2010 and redistributed for comment until a consensus is reached.
Possible goal and action for objective 1:
Goal: Increase the quantity of Canadian-produced content on retail store shelves from 10% to 20% within five years.
Action: Create demand for Canadian products by developing a Canada-branded domestic label supported with a strong promotional campaign. Work with retailers, processors, and farmers to resolve challenges bringing local and domestic content to consumers, and identify opportunities for expanding market share.
Is this a reasonable target? Is this something you would like to see? Do you currently look for Canadian products in your supermarket? Have you ever thought of asking store managers to supply more Canadian products so they know demand is there?
Strategic Objectives:
1. Canadian grown, fresh and processed product will be the first choice of Canadian consumers.
2. Canadian grown, fresh and processed product will be the preferred choice of international markets.
3. Consumers will choose foods that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
4. Consumers will always have access to safe and nutritious food.
5. The Canadian food chain will be driven by its diverse, innovative and profitable farm and food supply sectors.
6. Canada’s food chain capacity will meet future demand in a sustainable manner.
7. Canada will have a secure infrastructure to support the production, processing, distribution and sale of food in Canada and abroad.
8. Canada will grow and provide green energy and other renewable products in balance with our food requirements.
9. Canada will be a global leader in ensuring international agreements impacting food are based on science, fairness, consistency and enforceability.
I sincerely hope that the level of content on store shelves isn't only 10%. That'd be shocking, and I don't know if only reaching to 20% would be sufficient.
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