FOOD COMMUNITIES AND RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NOTES FROM THE UPPER SKEENA/BULKLEY VALLEY REGION Emily McGiffin Canadian Social Economy Hub

Northwest BC

Local Context  Agriculture is an important industry in this region, which has a strong tradition of farming and ranching.  People here are self sufficient, have close ties to the land and enjoy land-based livelihoods.

Local Socioeconomic Context  As in much of rural Canada, populations of communities in northwest BC are in decline.  From 2001 to 2006, numbers ranged from a 3.6% decline in Smithers to a 12.8% decline in Kitimat (Chipeniuk et al., 2009).  The Upper Skeena region suffers extremely high rates of unemployment, reaching as high as 90% in some communities.

Economic Implications  As populations decline, economic activity becomes less dense, making it increasing difficult for towns to remain economically viable and support their populations (Alasia, 2010).  Studies indicate that rural communities with economies based on primary industries (fishing, forestry and resource extraction) experience higher rates of population decline (Alasia, 2010).

Economic Implications  Building strong, diverse local economies is therefore key to the economic sustainability of communities in northwest BC.

Food Communities  A concept coined by the organization Slow Food International – an alternative to the industrial system.  Includes everyone involved in the provision of food – from field, forest or water to table.  Characterized by strong linkages to specific geographical areas and their associated historical, social, economic and cultural context.  Developing this sort of place-centred food system helps build community identity and pride. It also fosters economic self sufficiency, keeping money circulating within regional economies longer.

Food Communities as a CED Strategy  Pros:  Everyone eats. In rural areas, many of these food needs can be met locally. This keeps dollars in the community.  Today’s conscientious consumers understand the health, environmental and economic benefits of eating locally.  Demand for local food in the region often outstrips supply

Food Communities as a CED Strategy  Cons:  Agriculture is a primary industry that struggles to remain economically viable in a global marketplace.  Even though people may be willing to buy local, the financial realities of the region mean that many cannot.  The growing season is short. Many important crops don’t do well in the regional climate.  Many skills have been lost over the years. Replacing them will take time and resources.

Other Considerations  The commodity export farming traditionally practiced in the region is financially difficult to start-up and maintain.  Alternative crops and markets offer a variety of opportunities for farmers, processors and distributors.

Other Considerations  Local culture and identity remain closely tied to the land; land-based livelihoods are desirable.  Agriculture could offer a much more sustainable and autonomous option than other primary industries.

Food and the Social Economy  The study looked at a variety of successful initiatives in the social economy that use food as a catalyst to create social change  Centering activities on food helps attract public attention and inspire involvement

Food and the Social Economy  Although they may not provide models that are sustainable in the traditional economy, these initiatives are vital. They:  Act as incubators for innovative new approaches to food and agriculture  Provide alternative business and governance models  Generate enthusiasm, awareness and local support  Develop community capacity on multiple levels and achieve a variety of social goals

Examples  Ground to Griddle Community Kitchen  Senden Farm  Storytellers’ Foundation  Skeena Bakery  Groundbreakers’ Collective  Northwest Premium Meat Co-op

Conclusions  In the face of demographic stagnation and decline and extremely high rates of unemployment in some communities, it is vital that northwest BC explore ways to strengthen and diversify its economy as well as increase the health and capacity of its population.  Agricultural products, traditionally treated as export commodities, could be of much greater value if processed and sold locally.

Conclusions  The food-centered social economy initiatives profiled in this report are helping draw attention to food and its current and potential roles in the regional economy.  They also provide new business and organizational models.  Finally, these initiatives demonstrate innovative ways of using food to improve community well-being, tighten community connections, develop human capacity and spark social change.