[getsmart-l] From the Ground Up: A Primer for Community Action

[John O'Gorman]

Kingston's Food Down the Road (FDTR) movement spearheaded by Local 316 of the National Farmers Union (NFU) has produced a "how to" manual on how they were able to organize their movement.

The importance of the manual is, of course, NOT the Kingston aspects - which you can replace with your own Region's story - but the process that they followed and the questions that they had to address. 

For example:
What is the purpose of this primer? 

This primer is one step in the long-term process of building a sustainable local food system. It aims 
to develop the common ground we require to move forward, by making relevant information organized and accessible, and by raising questions and highlighting areas where more research and information are needed. It also aims to build a common language by defining and discussing useful terms. We do not claim to have all the answers, but aspire to provoke the critical thought and invite the dialogue that may lead to answers. As our community further assesses its needs, acquires new knowledge, and defines its collective goals, this document may be updated or replaced by other documents. At this stage, we aim to help individuals and groups take next steps, by inspiring action and providing suggestions for how they can meaningfully direct their energies. 

This primer was produced with the advice and direction of a Local Food Research Network organized by Food Down the Road. The Research Network brings together researchers from Queen's University, St. Lawrence College, Kingston, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, Non-Governmental Organizations, municipalities, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and others who share an interest in building a sustainable local food system. The NFU and the Food Down the Road initiative are very grateful to the members of the Research Network for their input and time. This document draws on numerous academic and community sources, and, although the research process was thorough, it was not exhaustive. Gaps have been identified for further research. This is meant to be a living document - one that is added to and improved on over time. Food Down the Road welcomes feedback from experts and other interested people. 

And:
Who should read this primer? 

As eaters, we are all participants in the food system. Today, however, most eaters are far removed from. and know little about, the other parts of the larger food system. This document is partly aimed at them. However, it is also written for all other food system participants, from farmers to restaurateurs, food bank volunteers to policy-makers. Whether you are a sceptic, an enthusiast, an "expert on Local Food" or simply curious, we invite you to read on.

And when you do read you will find:
 The Introduction sets out some main concepts and starting points. Part I discusses the current food system. Part II identifies and outlines alternative models. Part III brings the different threads together to identify opportunities for improvement and growth. 

But be warned! There are no easy answers. From page 43 of the text:
:The development of a local and sustainable food system for Kingston and countryside will take time. A local food system takes knowledge, skills, relationships and infrastructure which cannot be gained and developed quickly. At the same time, the need for change is urgent and so we must prioritize as well as seek out "low hanging fruit" or opportunities that we can harvest now. 

For those who want more:
?Copies of From the Ground Up: A Primer for Community Action on Kingston and Countryside's Food System may be downloaded or ordered from the Food Down the Road website (www.fooddowntheroad.ca). Availability is limited. 
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