The Urgent Need for Local Food Security

I recently attended a meeting of the Sidney Breakfast Club, where manufacturers, tech people, engineers, and those who work with them, come together on the Peninsula to talk about common issues. Today’s topic was on Food Security, a growing concern with the ongoing tariff issues.

A Panel of Experts

The event featured a panel of speakers deeply involved in local agriculture and food production:

• Lindsay Dault – Owner, Country Bee Honey Farm

• Steve Pierce – Pendray Farms

• John Espley – Owner, Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre, a new business to support people growing food locally.

Each speaker brought valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of producing food locally.

The Alarming Decline of Local Food Production

One of the most striking points raised was how dramatically local food production has declined. In the 1950s, Vancouver Island produced about 80% of its own food. Today, that number has dropped to just 4%.

For those unfamiliar with the island’s geography, nearly all of our food arrives via ferries or aircraft. That means 96% of what we eat is shipped in. If anything disrupts those supply lines long-term, like bad weather and transportation failures, we could face serious shortages.

The Push for Local Food Production

Given these risks, there’s a growing push to produce more food locally. The recent tariffs have only added urgency to this effort. The discussion also touched on seasonal eating versus the expectation of having fresh produce year-round. Many people shop meal-to-meal, often choosing imported foods over local options. Shifting our mindset to support local farmers and eat seasonally could make a significant difference in strengthening our food security.

What This Means for Local Businesses

If you’re a business owner navigating these challenges, you might be asking:

• How do I market my local products or services effectively?

• How do I position my business to encourage local buying?

• How can I connect with customers who value buying locally?

If you’re looking for strategies to promote your business in this shifting landscape, contact me. I’d love to help you find the right approach.

Now is the time to rethink how we source our food and support local producers and local businesses. The more we invest locally, the more resilient our community will be tomorrow.