Residents of the Powell River region are being asked to share their thoughts about local food and agriculture in an online survey.
Bringing fresher food production closer to home is not a trend, it’s a fact, according to Full Circle Farm’s research and development project. It generates increased community interest and involvement in Powell River.
The research team, an initiative of Society for the Advancement of Local Sustainable Agriculture (SALSA), is conducting a survey for which the underlying question is “To grow or not to grow?” More and more people want to know what they are putting into their bodies and where their food comes from. “Food is our common ground,” said David Brindle, food markets researcher, in the group’s press release.
Answers about local food availability, quality, price and variety are intended to provide a clear picture of whether or not there is a demand for more local food production “from our farmers to our tables.”
Full Circle Farm knows the roots of Powell River’s agricultural sector run as deep as the community itself. “Our farmers have been representative of our strong community values since the town’s early days when local agriculture was flourishing,” said Brindle. “Powell River’s farmers once produced 30 per cent of the food consumed here. Today that figure is about two per cent.”
The survey is available through the project website. It should take about 15 minutes. It will remain open until Sunday, June 1. Responses are private and anonymous. The results will be made public when all phases of the project are complete.
SALSA is a non-profit society dedicated to making agriculture in Powell River economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. SALSA’s Full Circle Farm research and development project began in January and is funded through the Employment Program of British Columbia, and both the federal and provincial governments.
