Here is a copy of the final report of the Nova Scotia Food Forum held on November 16, 2007 in Truro.

The two main goals of the Forum were 1) to provide an opportunity for different stakeholders in food production, distribution and consumption to exchange information on issues, priorities and challenges, and 2) to identify common areas for collaboration and partnership development.

Food production and distribution is an increasingly important health, economic and environmental issue.  It spans across sectors and communities involving farming, fishing, forestry (e.g. maple syrup production), wholesale, retail, marketing and transportation as well as consumer interests.  Is there a better way to address the concerns for health, environment, safety and security of food, of new consumer demands and other challenges faced by the individual sectors and communities?  Are there new opportunities for development and sustainable prosperity?

The Nova Scotia Rural Team (NSRT), part of the Canadian Rural Partnership, is composed of federal and provincial government and rural community representatives with an interest in supporting sustainable, rural and coastal communities. 

We would like to better understand the issues around food production and distribution so we are planning this event as part of the Atlantic BioRenaissance Workshop at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Bible Hill, NS on Friday, 15-16 November 07. 

The Workshop has three sub-themes - Food and the Value Chain, Biofuels and Rural Health.  For more information on the Workshop please see the website at www.nsac.ca/aascw.  There is a registration fee to attend the Workshop but the Food Forum is free.

The Food Forum, part of the Food and the Value Chain theme, will take place as the last event of the Workshop from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, 16 Nov 07.  Lunch and refreshments will be served.  The Forum will build on and provide an update on the Loaves and Fishes event held last March.  The two main goals of the Forum are 1) to provide an opportunity for different stakeholders in food production, distribution and consumption to exchange information on issues, priorities and challenges, and 2) to identify common areas for collaboration and partnership development.

A report will be produced based on the discussions and recommendations, posted on the National Rural Web Site, and contributed to the federal and provincial policy development and program design processes.

We expect up to 100 participants representing producers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, rural communities, NGOs and governments. Your participation, comments and suggestions are very welcome.

Keith Cossey                                                   
Regional Advisor for Nova Scotia  
Government of Canada Rural Secretariat
World Trade & Convention Centre
1800 Argyle Street, Suite 519
P.O. Box 248, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2N7
(902) 426-8570
1-866-406-1100 Toll Free
(902) 426-3439 Fax
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www.rural.gc.ca