Presentation to Wynyard Co-op Store
Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 7:22 pmPresentation to 2006 Wynyard Co-op Annual Meeting April 2006
by Marilyn Gillis, Box 427, Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0
First, a big thank you to this Co-op Store which, for many years, has sold our farm products, i.e., flour, wheat, flax. Also, thank you to the folks who have supported us by buying and expressing appreciation that our produce has been available.
Many of us older people recall a time when our Co-op Store carried many more locally-grown products, i.e. eggs, meat, milk. I don't know why we became convinced that it was 'progress' to move away from this practice.
I propose it may be timely to look at our present food system and identify areas that we may focus on redesigning actions. Some possible actions that I see are:
1) Seek Local Produce
There are many people who are putting a lot of energy into small scale production, processing and marketing. They go afar to cities while our local rural stores do not sell for them. I know of people in this area who market beef, pork and lamb but if customers are looking for, as an example, lamb in our stores, they are likely to find imported lamb from New Zealand. It doesn't make sense to me!
2) Advertise what may be available and encourage input from customers.
For those who want organic, do they want to buy California produce or, if given a choice, would they prefer local Saskatchewan or Canadian produce? Would it be considered 'development' to potentially have milling and canning facilities, root cellars, greenhouses, etc.?
3) Clearly label where produce comes from and how it is produced.
Customers need information on what products may contain: GMOs, pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics to distinguish between feedlot beef and pastured beef.
4) Make an effort to evaluate energy, environmental and social costs.
I talk to many who want to purchase BC fruit but our Co-ops allow flooding of markets with Florida/Mexico fruit before Canadian fruit is ready. What is the social cost? What are the environmental cots to industrial production and transport?
5) Why is Wal-Mart making the move to carry 'organic' and our Co-ops, which I think should be the firsst to respond, are reluctant?
There are some producers who are already providing products and, with support, the potential for many more.
Visit the Local Food Directory at:
http://forum.stopthehogs.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3
and the Eat Well Guide at http://www.eatwellguide.org/
for producers near you. Producers can self-register here as well.
Or, click on the Email icon below and let the Forum Moderator know of someone who may want to be listed in the Directory.
by Marilyn Gillis, Box 427, Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0
First, a big thank you to this Co-op Store which, for many years, has sold our farm products, i.e., flour, wheat, flax. Also, thank you to the folks who have supported us by buying and expressing appreciation that our produce has been available.
Many of us older people recall a time when our Co-op Store carried many more locally-grown products, i.e. eggs, meat, milk. I don't know why we became convinced that it was 'progress' to move away from this practice.
I propose it may be timely to look at our present food system and identify areas that we may focus on redesigning actions. Some possible actions that I see are:
1) Seek Local Produce
There are many people who are putting a lot of energy into small scale production, processing and marketing. They go afar to cities while our local rural stores do not sell for them. I know of people in this area who market beef, pork and lamb but if customers are looking for, as an example, lamb in our stores, they are likely to find imported lamb from New Zealand. It doesn't make sense to me!
2) Advertise what may be available and encourage input from customers.
For those who want organic, do they want to buy California produce or, if given a choice, would they prefer local Saskatchewan or Canadian produce? Would it be considered 'development' to potentially have milling and canning facilities, root cellars, greenhouses, etc.?
3) Clearly label where produce comes from and how it is produced.
Customers need information on what products may contain: GMOs, pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics to distinguish between feedlot beef and pastured beef.
4) Make an effort to evaluate energy, environmental and social costs.
I talk to many who want to purchase BC fruit but our Co-ops allow flooding of markets with Florida/Mexico fruit before Canadian fruit is ready. What is the social cost? What are the environmental cots to industrial production and transport?
5) Why is Wal-Mart making the move to carry 'organic' and our Co-ops, which I think should be the firsst to respond, are reluctant?
There are some producers who are already providing products and, with support, the potential for many more.
Visit the Local Food Directory at:
http://forum.stopthehogs.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3
and the Eat Well Guide at http://www.eatwellguide.org/
for producers near you. Producers can self-register here as well.
Or, click on the Email icon below and let the Forum Moderator know of someone who may want to be listed in the Directory.