Discover How San Juan County’s Food System Plan Paves the Way for a Resilient Local Food Future!

In San Juan County, only 4% of food comes from local producers. This raises an important question: how can we boost local food production? To tackle this, the Food System Plan has been developed and is now available for everyone to explore.

This plan is a community-driven guide designed to make our food system stronger and more local. It includes practical strategies and inspiring goals, aimed at promoting local food production, supporting farmers, ensuring equal access to food, and protecting our environment. Hundreds of island residents contributed their thoughts, including farmers, fishers, and food makers, to create a plan that reflects their needs and aspirations.

The plan highlights five key goals:

1. Increase Local Food Production: Support small to mid-sized farmers with resources and innovation to help them grow more food.

2. Enhance Land and Ecosystems: Encourage sustainable practices in farming. This means taking care of our soil, conserving water, and preserving biodiversity.

3. Improve Access to Healthy Food: Make local food affordable and strengthen systems that distribute food to those who need it.

4. Reduce Waste: Focus on cutting down plastic use and composting food items to minimize environmental harm and help our community.

5. Build Community Connections: Bring together farmers, residents, businesses, and Indigenous communities to create a flexible and strong food system.

Additionally, it’s vital to recognize that San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea are home to Coast Salish nations. Strengthening our relationship with these communities is key to achieving the plan’s goals.

The Food System Plan is a valuable resource that combines local knowledge and shared values. It’s about creating an equitable and sustainable food system that benefits everyone.

An interesting aspect to consider is the rise in popularity of local food movements across the U.S. Recent surveys show that 88% of consumers believe buying local is important to them. This shift towards local consumption can enhance the economy and foster community bonds.

For those looking to dive deeper, the Food System Plan is available here.

With the help of everyone in San Juan County, we can work towards a thriving local food ecosystem. Together, we can create a food system that’s not only sustainable but resilient for the future.

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