Loan Recipients

Producing More Food in Nova Scotia

Several of the Directors are traveling widely around Nova Scotia to meet with food producers who have applied, or are interested in applying, for loans from FarmWorks. We are increasing our knowledge of food production while enjoying the people, food, rural and urban amenities and the scenery (at our own expense, needless to say).

It is evident that there is tremendous capacity for food production in this Province, limited primarily by demand. FarmWorks is promoting the message that FOOD GROWS HERE to encourage people to buy more food that’s grown and value-added locally. Whether we’re buying at a farm stand, a farmers’ market, a major retailer or a restaurant, we can choose to buy a little – or a lot – more locally. Putting more of our money into the local economy is a wise investment.

Vermont ‘Farm to Plate’ to Create Jobs and Strengthen Local Food System

Vermont is an example of how state-level legislative support can help regional, mid-sized, and small producers and rural communities. The state has developed polices aimed at community-based agricultural economic development aligned with local and regional food system infrastructure development. In 2009, the Vermont Legislature passed the Farm to Plate (F2P) initiative as part of the state’s jobs bill. Estimates of the F2P plan include 1,500 jobs over the next 10 years based on a five percent increase in food system production and an accompanying annual increase of $88 million in the state’s gross domestic product. Currently, 12.9 percent of private businesses and 16 percent of private jobs in Vermont are in the food and farm sector. In 2007, the state’s agricultural and food output totaled $2.7 billion.

By Marissa Lee / August 11, 2011  http://seedstock.com/2011/08/11/vermont-farm-to-plate-local-food-system/

Interesting video:

Local Food is a Regional Economic Driver

In its 2010 paper, Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts and Issues, the USDA cites empirical research that has found that expanding local food systems in a community can increase employment and income in that community[3]. Studies suggest the economic impact of regional food systems are most likely felt in the form of income and employment growth, particularly where import substitution – either of regional food products or of regional food services such as processing – results in more money staying within the region as opposed to being diverted to products or services bought outside the region. Food Hub- Rural Economic Development