The Request for Proposal...

A few months back, I have shared some information with you, that an idea for development of an agricultural co-operative has been bounced around for quite some time. Over the past few months, the discussions have become more serious. A Local Foods Coalition has been developed and has decided to have a feasibility study done for the possibility of a co-op in the Dryden area. Here's a brief summary of what we are asking of the Feasibility Study:

The purpose of this feasibility study is to explore how a producer-consumer co-operative will strengthen our agricultural sector and address local food security issues. With the deliverables of:

• determine whether Dryden and area are food secure,
• identify the specific local food security issues,
• define and assess the local agricultural sector,
• identify the specific steps that need to be taken to strengthen the local sector,
• outline, in detail, how a viable producer-consumer co-op will both address local food security issues and strengthen the local agricultural sector,
•  identify the specific and realistic steps and timelines that need to be taken to develop the producer-consumer co-op including, but not limited to, the following:
• explore the option of a stand alone co-op or being in association with an existing co-op,
• outline how the co-op can be structured as to encourage new producer participants,
• analyze the economics of a local producer-consumer co-op,
• assess the feasibility of a specific local location, and
• identify potential obstacles or challenges to establishing and operating the co-op.

 If you do have any questions, comments or ideas. Please email me at kdscia@hotmail.com

THE LOCAVORE BOX

The Locavore Box is a type of Community Supported Agriculture, where particpants pre-pay for seasonally fresh local produce. This produce is conviently packed in a box and ready for pick up at a central location. Sounds like a deal!

Here's some more information...

What you can expect from the Locavore Box:

Every second Tuesday; between 3:30 and 5:30 PM you will pick up a box of fresh locally produced food at the depot – 56 King Street. The box will also contain a newsletter and an evaluation form so you can give feedback on the content of the box and the progression of this pilot project. The cost is $20 PER Locavore Box. The box will contain $20 worth of Farmers’ Market priced fresh produce – picked just that morning! A $10 box deposit will be required with your first payment. For each pick up date you will need to return your empty box and completed weekly feedback form in exchange for a new box full of produce. The contest of the box will vary according what is in season. You will not be able to choose the contents; however, what you do receive will be fresh and in-season.

Other information:

We hope the first box will be ready for pick up starting June 29th and continue right through to October. (Mother Nature permitting!)

• The boxes will be pre-paid for by cheque or cash – either in monthly payments or in full.
• The evaluation form is mandatory as we would like to see the success of this project continue in the future to benefit you and the local producers.
• Information packages will be emailed to you before May 24th.

If this interests you, or you know of someone, please contact Jessica at 223.7378 or kdscia@hotmail.com