Building a Stronger, Safer and More Sustainable Food System

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I am writing today to ask that you commit to increasing food security in New Brunswick. As you know, Covid-19 has exposed just how vulnerable our local food system is in a globalized and interconnected world. Policies and programs must be put in place that accelerate a transition towards a local and self-sufficient food supply chain which can withstand global economic pressures and guarantee even our most vulnerable communities’ access to healthy affordable food during a time of crisis. As outlined in our Action plan for improving self sufficiency, achieving this goal will require the province increase and diversify overall food production, processing, distribution, marketing, and land access for local farmers. The 2020-25 Local Food and Beverages Strategy has some good action items, but it lacks ambitious targets and funding. As your constituent, I ask that you do everything in your power to ensure that these achievable goals turn into tangible policies and programs. As outlined in the food security section of this open letter sent to Premier Higgs on April 23, here are a number of proposed measure for which I would like to also voice my support: • Increase wage subsidies for local farm workers in order to help grow their number • Support the ongoing health and growth of our local farmers’ markets • Provide additional assistance for new entry-level farmers, especially young farmers. • Create a program to make land suitable for growing food accessible to young famers • Support community groups that facilitate/promote food self sufficiency/home gardening • Develop assistance programs for our inshore fishing and fish-processing industry • Develop measures for increasing local consumption of local seafood. • Create programs for small/medium-sized farmers, especially those involved in community-supported agriculture programs Please make accelerating food security a priority in New Brunswick. Sincerely,