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Strong Appetite for Connection at Food Symposium
Strong Appetite for Connection at Food Symposium
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
There was a strong appetite for connection as 120 people plated up, figuratively and literally, during a one-of-a-kind symposium in Vermilion on April 15.
Co-founders of Connect for Food, (CFF) Perry Phillips and Keleigh Cormier, were very pleased with the turn out as people from various communities throughout the province came to learn about bolstering Alberta’s food industry and meeting other interested parties during the one-day event.
Phillips and Cormier say the intent of the symposium was to build a thriving food industry, local and beyond. Phillips explained that, “Connect for Food is a process of working with stakeholders and communities to bolster their economy through developing their food industry. The key word is connect. We believe that individuals have the vision and solutions to more effectively harvest the opportunities to shape the future of their communities.”
Cormier added, “The Connect for Food Symposium is building on dozens of connections already made through a series of community-based workshops over past months.” The Symposium program is focused on action and progress. It included Bianca Parsons of the Alberta Food Processors Association, who shared how a region can evolve its food industry and highlighted the “Made in Alberta” brand.
‘Unlocking Alberta’s Food Potential’ was the title of Parson’s presentation. She focused on the food production chain, the power of buying local food and beverages, how attendees can join or support the system and how to employ, inspire and support the next generation. An interactive “Supply Chain Panel” offered diverse perspectives from the food industry, relating their experiences and revealing challenges and opportunities for closing the gap between supply and demand, locally and beyond.
Some of the featured products from entrepreneurs throughout the northeast region included: Black Stripe & Backroads Coffee from Vegreville, CP Pharms & Vertical Roots from St. Paul, Serben Farms from Smoky Lake County and Emjay’s berries from the Andrew area. Cormier said through this event, a champion organization will carry the initiative forward in the future.
