As outdoor markets begin shutting their doors for the season, sourcing local products could be more difficult for those not in the know.
But through a joint project by entrepreneur support organization Community Futures, the Beetle Action Coalition and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the barriers to the local food industry are being lowered.
On Oct. 17, farmers, ranchers, chefs, caterers and food service managers from across the province will gather in Prince George to share knowledge and discuss the opportunities for the growing agri-food industry in the north.
The Regional Food Systems Expo take splace at the Prince George Civic Centre, designed to allow for networking to link farmers with chefs in other communities.
"The appetite for a stronger local food system in the north is there," said Beyond the Market co-ordinator Jillian Merrick.
Launched at the beginning of the year, Beyond the Market works to create an inventory of food producers, distributors and consumers, assess the feasibility of a regional food distribution system, implement local food purchasing pilot projects in commercial institutions and identify potential new markets for local food.
"Since initiating the Beyond the Market project in the beginning of 2011, we have seen overwhelming support from both farm and food service operators and from the public in general. This event will bring all of them together in one room for the first time and hopefully provide a real spark for innovation and forward momentum."
The expo, which is free for all farm and food service operators, will feature industry experts presenting their experience and leading discussions on topics such as organic certification, new farm business start up, sustainable restaurant operations and grassroots farm networks.
The general public is also welcome for a $50 registration fee and can register online at www.beyondthemarket.ca.
Those wanting a taste of what's possible with local food are invited to try it out the day before and celebrate World Food Day Oct. 16 with Beyond the Market at Taste of the North.
The College of New Caledonia hosts the wandering gala, which offers a gourmet dining experience provided by the CNC Professional Cook program. Chef Ron Christian and his students will highlight the relationship between farmer and chef with a variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, grains and more harvested from Prince George and the surrounding region.
"The opportunities for agriculture in the north are immense. Some of the products grown and raised here are of the highest quality, and our access to land and transportation networks provides the industry with a real competitive advantage," said Merrick.
"We think that restaurant, catering and institutional food services within the local region are the best places to start to grow the opportunities for local agriculture."
Tickets for the Sunday event are $40 and on sale at the Community Futures Fraser-Fort George office, the CNC bookstore and the Prince George Farmer's Market.
