Simcoe food hub getting fresh look
Getting food to your table fresher and faster.
That’s one of the goals driving the Simcoe County Food Distribution Hub feasibility study now underway.
Sponsored by the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture, with a variety of partners, it is hoped enough interest can be generated to locate several locations, or “hubs” where buyers can purchase agricultural products grown or made within the county and distribute the goods to consumers.
The Town of Innisfil is the only municipality to have signed on board so far, joining a variety of farmers’ groups, including growers, dairy producers and cattlemen.
The project began in October 2012 after reviewing the success of existing agricultural hubs across North America, says consultant George Schrijver, a resident of Sharon.
“We want greater access for our local producers, buyers and the community-at-large,” he says. “We’ve had meetings throughout the county and we’ve exceeded the target of people showing up. Basically, a food distribution hub can help local producers develop relationships with local buyers. There has to be an economic foundation in order to project a social economic benefit.”
To date, 10 meetings and presentations have been held with stakeholders who provided input on the opportunities and challenges presented by the creation of a food distribution hub.
Issues raised include what will be the site location criteria for the hub and how much storage space needs to be provided, Schrijver says.
Jamie Reaume, executive director of the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association, says, “We had proposed doing this a few years ago from the Holland Marsh. This is against the status quo. Severe weather conditions are the new norm. We have to still grow our food on land that may be suspect and we need to localize what we grow.”
“These open houses let people know what we’re doing and what may show up in the final draft report,” adds Rachel Sullivan, the Town of Innisfil’s economic development officer. “We’re still looking for input from producers and suppliers. We want feedback. We’ll start with fruit and vegetables and grow from there.”
From Reaume’s perspective, distribution food hubs are “the future. For our children and grandchildren. They encourage opportunity and can build something for young farmers.”
More information can be obtained by contacting Schrijver at 905-478-8523, email: george@wcmconsulting.com
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