Post on 31-Dec-2015
description
From Governance to Convergence
The Food System and Sustainability
S. Garrett and G. Feenstra
“Growing a Community Food System”
Food is key to the climate economyFood travels 1500 miles
before reaching our plates
17% of our fossil fuel use is for growing and distributing food
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
20%
80%
Agriculture
All other Human Caused Emissions
Meeting more of Seattle’s food needs with locally and sustainably grown produce can significantly reduce our
greenhouse gas emissions and prepare us for the climate economy.
The Core QuestionFrom a government vantage point, how do
you look systemically at the local food system and apply a set of values and goals to that system?
ChallengesIdentifying the values and common goalsDesigning and implementing appropriate
actions to meet those goals Creating and sustaining the commitment to
act upon the challenges and opportunities partnership between different governmental
agenciespartnership between public and private entities
More Challenges…Disconnection between urban consumers and
rural producersMyriad of farmers, small businesses and
community efforts not connected Lack of smaller scale local processing and
warehousingMeeting the increased demand for local and
homegrown foodA greater understanding of the connection
between public health and good food
Even More Challenges…An increased need for food banks and
emergency foodRegulatory and policy impediments to
meeting goalsNo systemic policy approachA food system goes beyond political
boundariesDon't have all the analysis we need
The ProjectLocation: Seattle City CouncilMission
The Local Food Action Initiative is a series of actions meant to promote local and regional food sustainability and security.
The intent is to improve our local food system and in doing so, advance the City of Seattle's interrelated goals of race and social justice, environmental sustainability, economic development, and emergency preparedness.
The ProjectActivities
Set the goals and develop the initial framework for actions through discussions and voting on a City Council resolution (with a focus on getting our own “house” in order)
Stimulate community partners and collaborations through outreach and visibility of the initiative
Align city and regional policies and regulations with the goals stated in the resolution
Convene and build relationships among and between a variety of participants in the local food system
The Project ImplementationActing in Support of Specific GoalsThree Examples:
Increase opportunities for urban agricultureIncrease access for all of Seattle’s residents
to healthy and local foodsPromote and identify permanent locations for
farmers markets
Urban AgricultureSurveyed public lands available for community gardeningApplied for a community food grant focused on the needs of
low income residentsIncluded $2 million from the 2008 Parks Levy for
community gardens – planned 4, have actually created 17 by focusing on land the City already owns
Convened meetings to create new partnerships and initiatives:A website linking private land owners with interested
gardenersSeattle Central Community College developed a certificate
program in urban agricultureRemoved regulatory impediments to gardening in planting
stripsCreate "learning gardens" at community centers
Food AccessIncreased City funding for food banksEstablished an alliance with the United Way to
develop a strategic plan to reduce hungerFunded an outreach staff to help people sign up
for SNAP (food stamps)Directed the City of Seattle's Human Services
Department to improve data collection about hunger and emergency food
Requested the City of Seattle's Parks Department to provide better quality food at after school programs and vending machines
Farmers MarketsStreamlined the permitting process and
reduced feesAdded a new farmers market at City HallAdvocating for the needs of farmers markets
with other government agenciesCollaborating to establish permanent homes
Lessons LearnedBy creating the vision and aligning the values
and goals we have ignited creativity and the possibility for cultural shift
Seattle is exploding in opportunities ; new businesses, new initiatives, volunteers, connecting projects, student projects, etc.
More Lessons LearnedBy providing a container we have given
visibility and support to existing organizations and projects
The region has all the pieces - land base and natural resources , an active citizenry, involved farmers, organic growers, academics, awareness and leadership among elected officials, business innovators, strong NGOs, and consumer demand
Core Actions in 2010Declared 2010 as the Year of Urban Agriculture.Launched a web portal to provide information
and coordinate activities.Continued the work on a $300,000 Community
Food Grant from the US Department of Agriculture in support of actions to provide local, healthy foods in low income neighborhoods of SE and West Seattle - Healthy Corner Store initiative in Delridge, - new food bank garden at Rainier Vista, - Clean Greens Farm and Farmers Market in the Central Area.
More 2010 TasksDeveloping a Food System Policy Plan for Seattle.Launching teaching gardens and community
kitchen projects at Community Centers, community greenhouse project in Rainier Beach.
Using Parks Levy and other funding to continue to expand the P-Patch program.
Working with King County to adopt Transfer of Development Rights program to protect farms that serve Seattle’s Farmers Markets.
Established Regional Food Policy Council authorized by the Puget Sound Regional Council.
Still More 2010 WorkDeploying Health Department “Communities Putting
Prevention to Work” grant to support community kitchens and market gardens and take steps to provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables in ‘food deserts’.
Worked with Health Department to extend and expand nutritional labels in restaurants (Pre-empted – in a good way – by the Health Care Bill).
Assisting neighborhoods to include community food planning in the neighborhood planning process.
Adopting the Food and Beverage sector as a core sector for economic development.
And Finally for 2010Working with community –led projects to
coordinate and strengthen their effectiveness.Developing a strategic plan for expanding
economic activity and jobs in the local food economy, in conjunction with Regional Food Policy Council.
Adopted land use code changes that define ‘Community Garden’ and allow them outright in all zones, define ‘Urban Farm’ and allow specific appropriate models in each zone, allow people in residential zones to grow and sell unprocessed produce on their property, etc.
Where Will We Go in 2011?Focus on economic development.Strengthen urban agriculture.Protect farmland through foodshed initiatives.Expand long-range campaign for healthy food for all.Create indicators of success.Developing urban farms and gardens on City land.Take Seattle Farm Bill Principles around the country.Build partnerships, Regional Food Policy Council.Consider how to take local food work to
transformative scale.
Constraints and ChallengesMoving to a systems perspectiveFood system not identified as an essential serviceInsufficient structure to support the opportunitiesBudget crisis leads to layoffs and scarce new
resourcesEducating elected officials Temporality of elected officials and staffPolicy making can be slowInstitutionalizing change Making economic opportunities glamorous
Key to SuccessEmpower, embrace and harvest the collective
wisdom of the community!