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