Food businesses– have your say on the agriculture and food strategy Calling all local restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, grocers and more!

Strathcona County continues work on a strategy to strengthen, grow and support local agriculture and food production, processing and manufacturing. The project team is now looking for input from the food service and food retail industries.  

Owners and managers of local food service and food retail businesses are invited to participate in a short survey, from August 31 to September 28, 2023. These businesses are an important part of Strathcona County’s local agriculture and food sector. Input gathered will ensure the Agriculture and Food Sector Development Strategy reflects local values and expectations around agriculture and food, and help identify opportunities, barriers and local advantages. 

The food service industry includes businesses who package, prepare, transport, or serve food or beverages outside the home. Some examples are restaurants and cafes, delis, food manufacturing, catering and food transportation. The food retail industry includes retail and wholesale grocers and farmers markets.  

Residents and other businesses can also take the survey to answer questions about locally sourced food options at food businesses. 

The Agriculture and Food Sector Development Strategy will explore what qualities and policies are required to attract investment in agriculture and food production, processing, and manufacturing. It will also identify ways to connect agriculture and food businesses with resources, through things like a support network, science, and extension and engagement. 

Engagement began in March with agriculture and food businesses, including crops and livestock, food and beverage processing and manufacturing, and the honey industry. Businesses will continue to have opportunities to talk with the project team, including providing feedback on early recommendations to overcome barriers, create competitive advantages and pursue opportunities.  

The project team attended local farmers markets in June to share the project with residents and gather feedback. Residents have also participated in two surveys to inform further topics for engagement. A summary of what was heard through public engagement will be included once all engagement is completed. 

The strategy is expected to be completed by mid-2024 and will be informed by public engagement, an industry review, other County and regional planning documents, and financial and budget considerations. It builds on the County’s Agricultural Master Plan, completed in 2015. 

More information, and to take the survey, which runs from now until September 28, 2023:  
strathcona.ca/agfoodstrategy

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595 
strathcona.ca  

Infographics for media:    
1. Strathcona County agriculture highlights 
2. Agriculture and food value chain 

infographic for media release - ag and food highlights - 2023-08-29.pdf (157.9 KB)

Ag-and-Food-Development-Value-Chain-Handout-8.5x11.pdf (81.1 KB)