R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E WINTER 2016 RESOURCE INVENTORY Inventory of Regional Resources for Food System Planning and Action This inventory was produced as part of the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute’s Regional Food Systems project. The Columbia Basin-Boundary region benefits from a number of organizations that have done extensive work with the goal of improving the viability of our regional food system. Our objective was to inventory notable outcomes from this work in order to help decision-makers, researchers, and participants in new initiatives understand the recent history of the Basin-Boundary local food movement. The inventory is limited to resources with a publication date of 2010 or later, and is grouped into seven categories: • Plans and Strategies, • Feasibility Studies, • Background Reports, • Primary Research (data collection), • Best Practices, • Event and Initiative Summaries, and • Food Guides. favour of work that is focused on the governance and mechanics of the food system itself; that is—the stakeholders and relationships that determine how food is produced, processed, marketed, distributed and disposed of. Plans and Strategies Title: Revelstoke Food Charter Organization: North Columbia Environmental Society, City of Revelstoke Publication Year: 2014 Description: The Revelstoke Food Charter set the stage for adoption of the Revelstoke Food Security Strategy. It discusses the context for food security efforts in the Revelstoke area, establishes a vision for a food secure city, and lists broad focus areas that can guide future action. Note that technical agricultural information has been excluded from the inventory in funded in part by: 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: North Kootenay Lake Food Shed: Implementation Plan for Economic Viability Author: Aimee Watson Organization: North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society Publication Year: 2014 Description: The purpose of this plan is to recommend actions that will help develop an economically viable ‘food shed’ for the North Kootenay Lake region. Relying on a series of surveys complemented by research on the food-production landscape, the plan generates recommendations under seven key themes: eaters, farmers, self-sufficiency, markets, institutions, waste management and governance. In addition to the recommendations, for each theme, the report discusses the characteristics of related stakeholder groups, reviews relevant results from the surveys, and highlights key barriers and bridges to economic viability associated with this theme. Title: Revelstoke Food Security Strategy Author: Selkirk Planning & Design, Hailey Ross Organization: City of Revelstoke, Food Security Steering Committee Publication Year: 2014 Description: The Revelstoke Food Security Strategy provides background information and recommended actions to help the City of Revelstoke achieve the vision established in its 2013 Food Charter. The strategy establishes goals and objectives to accompany the vision, undertakes research on Revelstoke’s current level of food self-sufficiency, investigates areas of the city that could be used for food production, inventories current food-related activities and stakeholders, identifies gaps in the city’s food security network and governance structure, and recommends actions to fill those gaps. Title: Knowledge Brief: Agriculture Planning Author: Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute Organization: Selkirk College Publication Year: 2015 Description: This report summarizes common themes in the agricultural plans prepared for the Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay and East Kootenay Regional Districts. It serves as an introduction to regional agricultural opportunities, challenges and priorities. Title: RDEK Agricultural Plan Author: VAST Resource Solutions Inc. Organization: Regional District of East Kootenay Publication Year: 2014 Description: The RDEK Agricultural Plan provides background information and recommended actions to help the Regional District of East Kootenay achieve its vision, where “agriculture in the RDEK is a vital and viable industry, sustaining a society that values agricultural producers, locally grown food, rural land and natural systems”. Section 1 of the plan sets the context for the plan and provides data on the state of agriculture in the region. Section 2 reviews outcomes of the plan’s consultation process, including key themes identified by stakeholders. Section 3 establishes key goals for agriculture in the region and recommends actions for each goal. Section 4 outlines the implementation plan for the established actions. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Regional District of Central Kootenay Agriculture Plan Author: Brynne Consulting Organization: Regional District of Central Kootenay Publication Year: 2011 Description: The Regional District of Central Kootenay Agriculture Plan establishes a series of recommendations deigned to help the region achieve three core goals: 1) identify priority actions to support the viability of farming in the District; 2) ensure that the agricultural capability of the area is realized; and 3) create a secure food supply for the region. The recommendations address key agricultural issues identified through an extensive public consultation process and investigation of relevant statistical data. Title: Boundary Area Agricultural Plan Author: Roly Russell (ed.) Organization: Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Publication Year: 2011 Description: The Boundary Area Agricultural Plan compiles information from background documents in an effort to develop a set of strategic objectives and recommendations designed to help the Boundary region achieve its vision for a thriving agricultural system. The objectives and recommendations are organized around five key forms of capital: human, natural, built, financial and social. Recommendations are built on the foundation of a consultation process, review of the regional agricultural legislative environment, and understanding of the current state of agriculture in the Kettle Valley. Results of this research are also summarized in the report. Title: Beyond the Market: A Regional Food System Assessment & Value Chain Opportunity Analysis Author: Andrea Gunner, Gillian Watt Organization: Beyond the Market: Growing the North Publication Year: 2012 Description: This study aimed to identify collaboration opportunities that would promote more effective marketing, storage, and distribution systems along the Highway 16 corridor (Valemount to Kitimat). This report addresses that goal by assessing the state of the regional food system, identifying best practices from other regions, analysing opportunities in existing value chains and making recommendations for improvement and implementation. The study draws on a survey of farm producers, as well as published statistics, for local data. Feasibility Studies Title: Kootenay & Boundary Food Producers’ Co-op Feasibility Study Author: Zoe Creighton Organization: Upper Columbia Co-Operative Council Publication Year: 2014 Description: This study assesses local capacity and market viability in relation to a proposed food producer’s cooperative. The cooperative would act as a ‘food hub’, consolidating demand and supply of local food through development of targeted services and infrastructure. The overall goal of the cooperative is to meet the growing demand for local food while also expanding the region’s agricultural economy. The report provides an overview of the food hub concept, discusses various operational scenarios, assesses market potential, inventories available assets and capacities, reviews options for financial models, and recommends a series of next steps. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Eastshore Food: Connecting, Building, Growing Together Organization: Community Connections (South Kootenay Lake Community Services Society), East Shore Food Roots Publication Year: 2010 Description: This study assesses the feasibility of developing three community social enterprises: a commercial kitchen, a greenhouse and a bakeshop. The businesses would form part of a new food hub serving the east shore of Kootenay Lake. For each enterprise, the report considers the extent to which it would serve the goals of the food hub, how it would be organized, and what costs and/ or revenue would be associated with start-up and operation. The report also inventories stakeholders in the Eastshore food community, and presents a proposal for next steps. Title: North Slocan Community Greenhouse Feasibility Study Author: Marcy Mahr, Jeff Pilsner, Ana Bokstrom, Mick Wilson, George Meier Organization: Healthy Housing Society Publication Year: 2010 Description: This report assesses the feasibility of a community greenhouse in the North Slocan Valley through a data-driven analysis and development of a ‘best scenario’, the implementation of which would lead to achievement of the project's three goals: quality produce, community service and profitability. The document provides a rationale for the project, discusses technical and organizational requirements for a successful enterprise, estimates production volumes, establishes a financial plan, and reviews possible sources of funding. Title: Assessing the Potential for Pocket Agriculture in Mountainous Regions: A Case Study in West Kootenay, British Columbia, Canada Author: Rachael Roussin, Julie Wilson, Gregory Utzig, Les Lavkulich Publication Year: 2015 Description: This report examines the potential to expand small-scale agriculture in mountainous, rural regions in order to improve food self-sufficiency. Using a combination of soil capability data, farm survey data, and Global Climate Model scenarios, the study assesses the extent of land available for agriculture on small land parcels, evaluates opportunities to grow niche crops on marginal lands, and reviews possible impacts of projected climate changes on agricultural expansion. Title: Agricultural Potential of the West Kootenay, BC Author: Rachael Roussin Publication Year: 2014 Description: This thesis provides an extended analysis of the data that informed the article, “Assessing the Potential for Pocket Agriculture in Mountainous Regions: A Case Study in West Kootenay, British Columbia, Canada”. It addresses the utilization of land with agricultural potential, soil capability, and climate factors that affect growing conditions in the region. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 Primary Research Title: City of Nelson 2014 Food Security Assessment Author: Marya Skrypiczajko Organization: Nelson Food Cupboard, City of Nelson Publication Year: 2014 Description: The City of Nelson Food Security Assessment describes the results of an asset mapping and gap analysis exercise undertaken to increase the amount and quality of information available to key decision-makers in the community. Through information gathered from a steering committee, community consultation sessions, a series of phone interviews and a comprehensive document review, the report aims to inventory community food security assets, identify gaps in the system, articulate community priorities and develop a series of recommendations to guide planning and decision-making processes. Title: Land Use Inventory Report: Elk Valley Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional District of East Kootenay Publication Year: 2013 Description: This document reports on results from the Agricultural Land Use Inventory conducted in the Elk Valley in preparation for the Regional District of East Kootenay Agricultural Plan. The inventory can be used to understand the extent of agricultural activities, and the nature of those activities, occurring within the surveyed area. It can also be used to assess the amount of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve that is underutilized or not available for agriculture. Data was primarily collected via a drive-by survey conducted in the summer of 2011. Title: Land Use Inventory Report: Columbia Valley Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional District of East Kootenay Publication Year: 2013 Description: This document reports on results from the Agricultural Land Use Inventory conducted in the Columbia Valley in preparation for the Regional District of East Kootenay Agricultural Plan. The inventory can be used to understand the extent of agricultural activities, and the nature of those activities, occurring within the surveyed area. It can also be used to assess the amount of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve that is underutilized or not available for agriculture. Data was primarily collected via a drive-by survey conducted in the summer of 2011. Title: Land Use Inventory Report: Central Region Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional District of East Kootenay Publication Year: 2013 Description: This document reports on results from the Agricultural Land Use Inventory conducted in the Central Region of the Regional District of East Kootenay in preparation for the RDEK Agricultural Plan. The inventory can be used to understand the extent of agricultural activities, and the nature of those activities, occurring within the surveyed area. It can also be used to assess the amount of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve that is underutilized or not available for agriculture. Data was primarily collected via a drive-by survey conducted in the summer of 2011. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Kootenay Lake Regional Food Systems Author: Paris Marshall Smith Organization: Constituency Office of MLA Michelle Mungall Publication Year: 2010 Description: This report was prepared for Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall in response to community input regarding the need for enhanced support of the regional food system. It details the results of a survey of stakeholders regarding opportunities and challenges associated with food production, infrastructure needs, network needs and needs for provincial government support. Responses are organized around seven themes representing the structural components of a regional food system. Title: Farm Food Fork Online Surveys Organization: West Kootenay Permaculture Co-Op, Farm Food Fork Publication Year: 2015 Description: In 2014, Farm Food Fork (a project of the West Kootenay Permaculture Co-op Association) conducted a series of online surveys of West Kootenay food stakeholders. Surveyed stakeholder groups included homesteaders, producers, farms, consumers and food-centered organizations. Questions centered on respondent characteristics, challenges and opportunities, and preferred areas of action. Sample sizes are generally low and, in the case of producers and farms, limited to small-scale operations. Title: Kaslo Food Security Project: Plenty of Food Services Author: Betty Gutierrez, Aimee Watson Organization: North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society Publication Year: 2011 Description: This report presents the results of research efforts centered on developing a social enterprise to support the long-term viability of the Kaslo Food Hub. Drawing on results of a community survey, discussions with local store owners, a review of potential partners and applicable regulations, and a preliminary cost analysis, the report explores the feasibility of the following forms of enterprise: personal chef services, meal services, school lunch program, smallscale food production, preserving services, cooking classes and a bulk buying club. Title: Agriculture Water Demand Model: Report for the Kettle Watershed Author: Ted van der Gulik, Denise Neilsen, Ron Fretwell, Andrew Petersen, Stephanie Tam Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Publication Year: 2013 Description: This report uses data from a 2012 agricultural land use survey, in conjunction with soil and climate information, to model water demand on agricultural lands in the Kettle Valley of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. It addresses the Boundary Area Agricultural Plan recommendation to complete a comprehensive irrigation assessment for the valley. The model involves calculation of several climate and agricultural variables and incorporates various development and climate scenarios to estimate how irrigation demand may change in the future. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Identifying and Valuing Underutilized Agricultural Land Author: Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute Organization: Selkirk College Publication Year: 2016 Description: This report summarizes results from efforts to evaluate the extent of land in the BasinBoundary region with potential for agricultural expansion. Two methodologies were employed for this analysis—one based on property information and one based on remotely sensed data. The report also includes an assessment of the monetary value of underutilized agricultural lands. Title: Innovation in the Basin-Boundary Beef Supply Chain Author: Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute Organization: Selkirk College Publication Year: Forthcoming Description: This forthcoming report will summarize results from a study focused on characterizing innovation among Columbia Basin-Boundary beef producers and the organizations they interact with along the supply chain. The study has the goal of better understanding the factors that influence this sector’s ability to innovate, as well as the impact innovation has on the success of beef businesses. Best Practices Title: Toward a Regional Food System Alliance: Development Strategy for the West Kootenay Author: Jon Steinman Organization: Deconstructing Dinner Publication Year: 2011 Description: This report provides an analysis of best practices for forming and sustaining a regional food system alliance for the West Kootenay region. It includes profiles of a number of food security alliance / council models from other jurisdictions. The report was supported by an advisory committee consisting of representatives of local food interests. The committee’s strategic vision and recommendations, which are based on the report content, are also summarized in this document. Title: Groundswell: A Guide to Building Food Security in Rural Communities Author: Aimee Watson Organization: North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society Publication Year: 2013 Description: Drawing on the experiences of the Kaslo Food Security Project, Groundswell acts as a guidebook for rural regions seeking to enhance their food security. It defines common terms, provides an overview of the food security concept, outlines necessary components of a successful food security program, explores possible projects and discusses the role that food policy plays in the food system. Valuable tools and resources for further information are provided in each section. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Innovative Solutions to Basin-Boundary Food System Challenges Author: Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute Organization: Selkirk College Publication Year: 2016 Description: This report provides an overview of several innovative solutions which have potential to help address identified challenges to expanding food production in the Columbia BasinBoundary region. The study highlights models that have already been implemented on a smaller scale within the region that could be duplicated or expanded, as well as examples from outside the region. Innovative solutions are broken into three categories: supply, processing, and ownership and land access. Background Reports Title: Climate Change and Food Security Author: Jennifer Ellis Organization: Communities Adapting to Climate Change, Columbia Basin Trust Publication Year: 2010 Description: Produced as part of Columbia Basin Trust’s Communities Adapting to Climate Change project, this report provides a review of the literature linking food security and climate change, with the goal of informing climate change adaptation efforts in the communities of Rossland, Kaslo and Castlegar. The report reviews the impacts of climate change on agriculture, other nonclimate related changes influencing the food system, and the region’s capacity for food selfsufficiency. Title: Agriculture in the Columbia Basin: Background Paper Author: VAST Resource Solutions Organization: Columbia Basin Trust Publication Year: Forthcoming Description: This forthcoming report has the purpose of providing foundational information to help Columbia Basin Trust understand what role, if any, would be appropriate for the Trust to take in supporting agricultural activities, and addressing agricultural challenges and opportunities in the Basin. It provides an overview of the history and state of agriculture in the region, inventories economic agricultural assets, reviews the current regulatory and planning context, discusses emerging trends and opportunities related to local food, and highlights outstanding gaps related to information, policy and investment. Title: RDEK Agricultural Plan: Background Report Author: VAST Resource Solutions Inc. Organization: Regional District of East Kootenay Publication Year: 2013 Description: This report provides important background information for the RDEK Agricultural Plan. It reviews results from the region’s Agricultural Land Use Inventory Process and reviews statistical data to generate an overview of the state of agriculture in the region. It also reviews the regulatory context under which the plan will operate, and discusses the outcomes of the consultation process, including key themes identified by stakeholders. These themes form the eventual basis of the agriculture plan. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: RDCK Agriculture Plan: Consultation Report Author: Brynne Consulting Organization: Regional District of Central Kootenay Description: This report describes the process and outcomes of the consultation process associated with development of the Regional District of Central Kootenay Agriculture Plan. The consultation process involved a series of community meetings, targeted surveys, and direct contact through a dedicated website. The results of the consultation process are used to define a set of preliminary themes and next steps. Title: Agricultural Climate: Conditions and Trends Author: Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute Organization: Selkirk College Publication Year: 2016 Description: This report summarizes research into climatic factors influencing the agricultural potential of the Basin-Boundary region. Drawing on a capability classification system developed by the BC government in the 1980s, the report provides and updated analysis of conditions and trends related to key agricultural climate variables such as climatic moisture deficit, growing degree days and frost free period. Event and Initiative Summaries Title: Local Food Futures for British Columbia: Findings from Regional Dialogues Author: Cornelia Sussmann, Catriona Feeney Organization: Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia Publication Year: 2015 Description: In November 2014, food system stakeholders were invited to participate in a series of consultation sessions hosted throughout British Columbia by the Real Estate Foundation of BC and the BC Sustainable Food Systems Working Group. The purpose of the sessions was to determine, at a regional scale, visions for a sustainable food system and priorities for action. The session for the Kootenay region was held in Cranbrook. This report details outcomes of the individual sessions as well as common themes heard across the province. Title: Farm Food Fork: Raising the Steaks Author: Miche Warwick Organization: Farm Food Fork Publication Year: 2014 Description: In response to strong interest in the subject, the 2015 Farm Food Fork conference centered on local meat. The conference featured guest speakers, a panel discussion, a butchery demonstration, roundtable discussions and a feast featuring local foods. The report reviews the results of an asset mapping exercise, highlights from guest speakers, key outcomes from the roundtable discussions, an overview of a documentary focused on Kootenay food sovereignty, and the results of the conference’s Offal Challenge. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Kaslo Food Security Project Author: Aimee Watson Organization: North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society Publication Year: 2014 Description: This resource is a video of a presentation to the Kaslo community on the history of the Kaslo Food Security Project. It includes a discussion of the factors leading to implementation of the initiative and an overview of key activities. Title: Slocan Valley Food Hub Report Organization: Farm Food Fork Publication Year: 2014 Description: The Slocan Valley Food Hub workshop was held as a precursor to the 2014 Farm Food Fork Conference and hosted with the intent of enhancing knowledge of the local food system, building relationships between stakeholders, and setting the stage for future action. The report reviews the background behind the workshop and activities undertaken, and summarizes discussions held at 12 theme-based dinner table discussions. Title: Fields Forward Initiative – The Creston Valley Resets Focus of Ag Friendly Future Author: Jesse Willicome Organization: Creston Valley Food Hub Publication Year: 2016 Description: Agriculture and food have been identified as investment priorities for Creston-area community development funding. In response, the Fields Forward initiative supports partnerships and relationship-building in the agriculture sector with the overall goal of economic development. The Fields Forward Forum drew on the Strategic Doing method and inspiration from a Vermont program to set the stage for a series of concrete, manageable initiatives aimed at growing the Creston food economy. Title: Coming Together for Food Author: Healthy Community Society Publication Year: 2013 Description: The Coming Together for Food Event was held in Silverton in 2013 with the goal of bringing Slocan Valley food stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to use available resources to overcome challenges related to local food production and resiliency. This report summarizes the challenges, possibilities and priorities discussed by attendees. Food Guides Title: West Kootenay Food Directory Organization: North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society, Kaslo Food Security Project Publication Year: 2015 Description: The West Kootenay Food Directory inventories farmers, market gardeners and food producers that together comprise the West Kootenay food system. Food markets (farmer’s markets, retailers and restaurants) that support the local food system are also included. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca RESOURCE INVENTORY WINTER 2016 R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E Title: Creston Farm Fresh Guide Organization: Creston Valley Food Hub Publication Year: 2015 Description: The Creston Farm Fresh Guide is an online directory to farms, food producers, food outlets, processors and nurseries operating in the Creston Valley. Users can filter results by product type, farm practice, business type or retail location. Title: Kootenay Food Directory Organization: Kootenay Food Description: The Kootenay Food Directory web-map inventories producers, processors, outlets and agricultural supports (e.g., garden supply stores, arborists) with a focus on the West Kootenay region. Users can search by organization type or sub-region. Title: East Kootenay Local Food Organization: Imagine Invermere, Slow Food Columbia Valley Publication Year: 2015 Description: The East Kootenay Local Food Guide inventories farms, producers, food organizations, markets and community gardens in the area spanning Golden to Fernie to Creston. The 2015 release is the fourth edition of the guide. 1.888.953.1133 www.cbrdi.ca