Since 2022, the Connect for Food Roundtables and Symposium have brought together community members from around the Food Wheel across Alberta to discuss the future of our food sector.

These conversations have sparked meaningful discussions on challenges and opportunities in the agrifood sector.

Below are some of the impactful takeaways from these gatherings.

Emerging Themes
from Community Discussions

  • Take pride

    in producing and consuming our own food

    #1

  • Expectations need to shift

    regarding reliance on imported food

    #2

  • Adopt a culture

    of learning, leadership and self-reliance

    #3

  • We need to embrace complexity

    and accept that many solutions are not simple

    #4

  • Our current agrifood model

    is based primarily on high production and the export of commodities, often providing low net returns

    #5

Emerging Insights on our Food Sector

  • "We need to work together more in every part of the food sector. It’s not about competing—it’s about collaborating so we all do better."

  • “Typical approaches to economic development may not align with the goals of a localized food system. Requires interesting and new ways to look at ‘established norms.’”

  • "Locally sourced food shouldn’t be exclusive or novel—it should be accessible all the time."

About the CFF Roundtables

  • “The time spent is not just about talking but actually finding a direction, even if it’s uncomfortable for some.”

  • "I am so glad I attended. The discussions were stimulating, the connections invaluable, and the energy for change was inspiring."

  • “Was reminded that being truly connected to other people is so important and not something that can be done through social media.”

  • “Met some important local producers for the first time—and I have lived here for over 20 years!”

  • "There is a growing community of like-minded people who are passionate about rethinking how we produce, purchase, and consume food. This workshop made that clear."

About the CFF Symposium, Showcase & Exchange

  • "I was able to connect with businesses and individuals both inside and outside the region. The interactions, discussions, and networking were incredibly valuable.”

  • “I was fascinated by the passion by the folks that were there. It was interesting that a lot of people are still partially hung up in the old model. I am more committed than ever to forward your initiative on the municipal level within our region. It is complex and I believe that individual producers don't understand the coordination and structuring that needs to happen to support them. The opportunities are endless if we all choose to work and learn together. Thank you so much for including us. It just makes us want to try harder to make these things happen.”

  • "I felt connected to local vendors—brought some of their products into our store and plan to continue supporting them."