Thanks for helping us create another successful

Growing Local, Getting Vocal Conference!

On February 19th and 20th, 2010, nearly 600 people were involved in the various activities of Food Matters Manitoba's third Growing Local, Getting Vocal conference at the University of Winnipeg.

Almost 40 different conference sessions were held throughout the two days, covering a broad range of topics, from getting started in a career as a farmer to composting with worms to the politics of potatoes in Manitoba. Feedback from conference attendees indicated that there was so much choice, they had trouble deciding which sessions to attend!

On Friday, the largest Growing Local Youth Gathering ever saw more than 85 youth engaged in hands-on workshops about vermicomposting (composting with worms), traditional hunting and gathering practices, seed starting, flour milling/bread making, beekeeping and traditional aboriginal food knowledge. Youth also held their own conference session, open to all conference attendees, and presented on environmental projects taking place in Manitoban schools. Inspiring stories were provided by youth from Argyle Alternative High School, Mel Johnson School, Vincent Massey Collegiate, Youth for Eco-Action and the FortWhyte Farm Interns.

Friday night’s Culinary Tour of Manitoba offered exquisite food to the approximately 200 guests, such as bison tourtière, Berkshire pork on crispy polenta with micro greens and handmade hemp seed marshmallows dipped in Fair Trade chocolate. The stars of the night were the chefs and restaurants who created these dishes using foods of local and organic farmers.

Saturday also saw the all-day Farm to Cafeteria Forum, which brought together people from all along the local food chain to hear about existing programs, network and identify barriers to and opportunities for a stronger system. Over 60 people participated, including farmers, educators, consumers, non-profit organizations, chefs, and government. By the end of the day it was clear that having a Forum where everyone along the farm to institution food chain was a benefit. Many of the break-out groups identified the need for education and creating empathy and understanding of the struggles everyone from farmers to institutions to governments to consumers face.

Local chefs and farmers partnered to create a delicious menu for Friday night's Culinary Tour of Manitoba.

Between conference sessions, attendees visited displays by non-governmental organizations, local food businesses and government departments.

A discussion-based session had food buyers/retailers and food producers/harvesters discuss how indigenous foods can be marketed.

Presenter Elaine Edel shared information on the many benefits of flax and soybeans and how they can be incorporated into meals.

Presenters Gerald McKay and Vanda Fleury pictured at the eye-opening panel about the challenges of fishers on Lake Winnipeg.

Louise May demonstrated how to separate cream from goat's milk.

Panelists discussed “potato politics” at this session, focusing on the recent controversy over the selling of potatoes by small-scale growers at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and seasonal stores.

Members of The Landless Farmers Collective held an interactive workshop about the benefits and barriers of urban agriculture.

Thanks to all our 2010 Growing Local Conference funders:

The Public Health Agency of Canada, Heifer International Canada, The Rural Secretariat of Canada, The Province of Manitoba, MB Alternative Food Research Alliance, Assiniboine Credit Union, The University of Winnipeg, Half Pints Brewing Company

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Annual Report to the Community

Our 2008-2009 Annual Report to the Community is available at the link below. We invite you to see what we have been doing to increase food security across our province and we invite you to get involved!

2008-2009 Annual Report to the Community

View a great slideshow that highlights some of the Manitoba Food Charter's partners and projects!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Laurel Gardiner, founding MFC Northern Co-chair, describes the Manitoba Food Charter at the 2008 Growing Local, Getting Vocal food security conference.


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About Us History Signing the MB Food Charter Signatory Activities Golden Carrot Awards Newsletters Staff & Board Contact Us	Thanks for helping us create another successful Growing Local, Getting Vocal Conference! On February 19th and 20th, 2010, nearly 600 people were involved in the various activities of Food Matters Manitoba's third Growing Local, Getting Vocal conference at the University of Winnipeg. Almost 40 different conference sessions were held throughout the two days, covering a broad range of topics, from getting started in a career as a farmer to composting with worms to the politics of potatoes in Manitoba. Feedback from conference attendees indicated that there was so much choice, they had trouble deciding which sessions to attend! On Friday, the largest Growing Local Youth Gathering ever saw more than 85 youth engaged in hands-on workshops about vermicomposting (composting with worms), traditional hunting and gathering practices, seed starting, flour milling/bread making, beekeeping and traditional aboriginal food knowledge. Youth also held their own conference session, open to all conference attendees, and presented on environmental projects taking place in Manitoban schools. Inspiring stories were provided by youth from Argyle Alternative High School, Mel Johnson School, Vincent Massey Collegiate, Youth for Eco-Action and the FortWhyte Farm Interns. Friday night’s Culinary Tour of Manitoba offered exquisite food to the approximately 200 guests, such as bison tourtière, Berkshire pork on crispy polenta with micro greens and handmade hemp seed marshmallows dipped in Fair Trade chocolate. The stars of the night were the chefs and restaurants who created these dishes using foods of local and organic farmers. Saturday also saw the all-day Farm to Cafeteria Forum, which brought together people from all along the local food chain to hear about existing programs, network and identify barriers to and opportunities for a stronger system. Over 60 people participated, including farmers, educators, consumers, non-profit organizations, chefs, and government. By the end of the day it was clear that having a Forum where everyone along the farm to institution food chain was a benefit. Many of the break-out groups identified the need for education and creating empathy and understanding of the struggles everyone from farmers to institutions to governments to consumers face. Local chefs and farmers partnered to create a delicious menu for Friday night's Culinary Tour of Manitoba. Between conference sessions, attendees visited displays by non-governmental organizations, local food businesses and government departments. A discussion-based session had food buyers/retailers and food producers/harvesters discuss how indigenous foods can be marketed. Presenter Elaine Edel shared information on the many benefits of flax and soybeans and how they can be incorporated into meals. Presenters Gerald McKay and Vanda Fleury pictured at the eye-opening panel about the challenges of fishers on Lake Winnipeg. Louise May demonstrated how to separate cream from goat's milk. Panelists discussed “potato politics” at this session, focusing on the recent controversy over the selling of potatoes by small-scale growers at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and seasonal stores. Members of The Landless Farmers Collective held an interactive workshop about the benefits and barriers of urban agriculture. Thanks to all our 2010 Growing Local Conference funders: The Public Health Agency of Canada, Heifer International Canada, The Rural Secretariat of Canada, The Province of Manitoba, MB Alternative Food Research Alliance, Assiniboine Credit Union, The University of Winnipeg, Half Pints Brewing Company ___________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report to the Community Our 2008-2009 Annual Report to the Community is available at the link below. We invite you to see what we have been doing to increase food security across our province and we invite you to get involved! 2008-2009 Annual Report to the Community *View a great* slideshow *that highlights some of the Manitoba Food Charter's partners and projects!* ___________________________________________________________________________________ Laurel Gardiner, founding MFC Northern Co-chair, describes the Manitoba Food Charter at the 2008 Growing Local, Getting Vocal food security conference. Click here to Download the MB Food Charter in ENGLISH Click here to download the MB Food Charter in FRENCH Click here to download the MB Food Charter in CREE Funding Provided By: