Town of New Tecumseth Rural Food Network Project

The Town Planning Department has partnered with the University of Guelph's School of Environmental Design and Rural Planning, Masters of Planning Program, to undertake work to enhance and better establish the presence of a local rural food network in New Tecumseth.

This project seeks to develop a policy framework that will set New Tecumseth as an optimal place to establish farming businesses that provide a wide variety of local produce and products. Agricultural and rural lands are a large component of New Tecumseth.

The overarching goal is to increase local food security, support the economic vitality of New Tecumseth’s rural area, support sustainable farming practices, and reduce the communities overall carbon footprint through a localized food system.  

This project will be a component of a larger policy initiative that the Town is undertaking to better support our rural farms and businesses.

Get Involved! We want to hear from you.

What is a Local Food Network and how does it impact me?

 A Local Food Network connects communities of producers and consumers through local food. The growing, sale, and consumption of food within the Town of New Tecumseth will help us establish a self-reliant, resilient food system and thriving agricultural sector. Local Food Networks take many forms. Initiatives may include farmers’ markets, pick-your-own, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) food boxes, and improved sourcing of local goods in restaurants, grocery stores, community institutions (e.g., schools), and local shops. There is a place for everyone to participate in a Local Food Network. Local food systems can only function when the entire community is engaged – producers, consumers, retailers and... YOU!

Why is a Local Food Network important?

•  Economic benefits: The local agri-food sector supports the economic vitality of New Tecumseth. A Local Food Network creates new opportunities for farmers, businesses, and entrepreneurs, which helps to diversify the local food market. Purchasing local foods stimulates the local economy by investing in the producers you know, while also creating job opportunities. A Local Food Network helps to address food insecurity and improve food programs at institutions such as schools and hospitals.

• Social benefits: One of the most important outcomes of a Local Food Network is the relationships created among producers, retailers, and consumers. These relationships are built upon unified goals of supporting the local economy, producing and consuming nutritious foods, and establishing a strong sense of community. Other social benefits include strengthened knowledge of local food producers and industries, expanded market opportunities for local agri-food businesses, a celebration of the Town’s food legacy and increased reliance on locally sourced foods year-round.

• Environmental benefits: One of the ways we can accomplish our climate change targets is by localizing our food systems. When we use less fuel to ship, import and buy our food, we reduce our carbon footprint! Continued community support supports the local adoption of sustainable practices and environmentally beneficial agriculture, where producers actively work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through various tools and techniques. 

Here is a short video that can help you better understand what a Local Food Network is and is not. The video is not specific to New Tecumseth but provides clear and concise visual representation that may help you better understand how localized food systems impact your community and your life.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDIwVczAXRg

Project Information