In January and February, Grey County is hosting two public stakeholder meetings to consult with local food producers and food businesses. Local food stakeholders are encouraged to attend one of two meetings and share their feedback to help shape a local food strategic plan. This plan will provide insights into the local food industry and help the County create an action plan for supporting local food projects.

Stakeholder meetings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, January 18, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Flesherton Kinplex, 2 Highland Drive

Monday, February 13, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Quality Inn, 950 Sixth St. East, Owen Sound

Agriculture is one of Grey County's top five sectors. With a concentration of agriculture six times the national average and four times the provincial average, opportunities to further develop the sector need to be explored.

"Grey County is an agricultural hub and is quickly becoming an agri-culinary destination. Food production, food processing and agri-culinary tourism are essential pieces to the economic health and diversity of the County," said Economic Development Officer Philly Markowitz. "Our goal is to look at how food businesses operate with each other and try to find ways to maximize resources and encourage co-operation and partnerships."

Grey County wants to hear from people all across the local food network: farmers, food and beverage producers, restaurant and food store owners, distributors and people involved in community food projects. With all of these voices at the table, Grey County can develop effective goals, create targeted projects and build a strong, sustainable local food system.

source: media release, Grey County