Recommended Improvements To Agri-Food In NWO

A new report suggests a need for enhanced regional partnerships in northern Ontario’s agri-food sector.
The report by two Lakehead University researchers was done as part of a greater effort looking at farmers’ markets, co-ops and other sustainable food systems province wide.
Co-author Mirella Stroink says greater collaboration would strengthen those groups, adding they would be able to share resources and administrative costs or services, so every small scale initiative won’t have to try and write their own grant.
In addition, Stroink says there are a variety of policy barriers to access foods linked to the forest such as blueberries and maple syrup. She says sometimes it’s just that there’s just no outlet to make it happen.
The researchers found many groups now struggle with trying to access funding, marketing and administrative support.