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About the strategy
The strategy will help the County attract investment in agriculture and food production, processing, and manufacturing. It will also identify ways to connect agriculture and food businesses with the resources that matter, through things like a support network, science, and extension and engagement.Â
The strategy will explore what qualities and policies are required to transform Strathcona County into an ideal location for agriculture, agricultural value-added production, and food-processing. It will be informed by public and local sector input along with industry analysis, acts and regulations, strategic alignment, policy, and financial and budget considerations.Â
Your input
This is your agriculture and food sector development strategy. Its foundation must reflect our shared community values.Â
Public engagement phasesÂ
| Phase | Actions | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Gathering input from agriculture sectors and residents |
Understand community values and expectations, and topics of importance. Following this phase, the County will develop a draft strategy for further input. |
February to September 2023Â |
| 2 - Feedback and revising |
Workshops to discuss and refine learnings and potential strategy action items; and to confirm what we found and that recommendations the strategy may make are sound and realistic. Following the workshops, the County will refine the strategy. |
October - December 2023 |
| 3 - Informing  |
Engage again to share a draft recommended strategy, to ensure it reflects what we’ve heard. Following feedback, the County will finalize the strategy. |
February - March 2024 |
| Approvals | We expect to present a final strategy to Council for approval by end of 2024. | May - June 2024 |
Residents – have your say
Resident input already received
A survey through the Strathcona County Opinion Panel (SCOOP) informed topic areas to explore in further engagement. March 21 – April 4, 2023.
Processors, producers and other ag and food sector businesses - have your say
Current engagement: Agriculture and food sector interviews – June to September, 2023Â
Local sector input already received
Small group meetings with processors, producers and other agriculture businesses, March – April 2023. Â
Based on what was heard, we will be holding further focussed conversations, providing findings and early recommendations. Â
We’d like your input to confirm what was heard, and to provide feedback on early recommendations to overcome barriers, create competitive advantages and pursue opportunities.Â
We recognize there are seasonal pressures and are making sure we work with agriculture and food business schedules and activities. Â
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More information
Planning and Development Services
Phone: 780-464-8080
AgandFoodSectorStrategy@strathcona.ca
