RDA ACT is suggesting a major shakeup of the ACT’s approach to the local food system.  Drawing attention to serious and growing threats to food supply chains we are suggesting a range of key measures the ACT government needs to initiate.  These include allocating at least 5 large spaces/areas in and near the City to food production, agritourism, training, community education and retail sales.  In addition, hundreds of smaller plots need to be identified for small scale and collaterised production of food stuffs. Food must be a specific government food procurement priority along with direct support for sustainable food projects. Urban Agtech, water systems integration and incentives for integrating food into the built environment are all part of the formula.  The Canberra Region Food Collaborative provides the framework and operational mechanism to make sense of the complexity and diversity the food system – and can help operationalize the Governments strategic objectives once they are settled upon.

See link here 
For full copies of the report email michsael.claessens@rdaact.org.au

What will the CRFC be?  

The CRFC will be an independent information broker and coordinating body responsible for helping establish an integrated, sustainable, inclusive food system. 

It will utilize a combination of research and knowledge sharing, investment attraction, events, skills development and grants/soft loans.  It will encourage initiatives, producers and retailers to shorten the food supply chain, integrate water saving, soil regeneration and renewable energy with a focus on local research, development and services. 

Canberra can take advantage of a technology and design-based wave in urban food which is sweeping the advanced cities of the world including Paris, Singapore, Toronto and Milan.  As a nation-leading initiative the CRFC will:
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• help meet the ACT emission targets and the sustainability objectives.
• boost jobs outcomes across the food supply chain, including tourism & hospitality.
• help diversify the Canberra Economy away from services focused on serving government.
• reward excellence in design and development focusing food and the circular economy

 
By encouraging local, inclusive and ethical food production systems it will also provide:

• more food security by creating a local buffer against shortages & high prices

• strong social impacts for disadvantaged groups, community wellbeing and health
• the Canberra Community with more control and choices over the food it eats

​Our Policy

We believe that  a sustainable economy requires a sustainable urban food approach that encourages employment, investment, innovation, zero net emissions and food security.

This is even more important now that the pandemic and adverse climate driven events are impacting our food system and demonstrating the need to take steps to shore-up an inherent fragility. 

​ The RDA ACT Sustainable Food Proposal outlines how the ACT can lead economic recovery in the region by focusing on urban food. 

Our Role

The CRFC includes all manner of cooperatives, food sheds, clusters and food hubs operating in our geographic zone. These initiatives are a crucial part of the  local food system, supporting all aspects of the food chain from the grower through to the consumer. They promote entrepreneurship, create local jobs, boost the economy, encourage investment, fight waste, support sustainability and provide food security.

​Using  profound data and research we will prove the value of, and deliver, better food to our community. The benefits will be seen in ; lower emissions; better  nutrition and liveability; cheaper grocery prices; regenerative practice; more diverse employment opportunities; tourism, exports and helping addressing social disadvantage. This is our agenda!  ​

​Where

The area covered will be a catchment approximately 230km equidistant from Canberra's city centre.

​Our ​Approach

The CRFC will be a  a multidimensional all-of-chain initiative which will be a data & technology driven cluster and ‘hub of hubs’.  This will be developed through an intense ongoing community consultation including all food stakeholders. It will provide equal focus to achieving business and social impact outcomes.
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We will provide a range of services to members which will keep them informed and connected with business opportunities in funding, collaboration, skills and training,  investment and innovation.   This will include assisting enterprises access various grants, subsidies and soft loans.
 
Our successful conference, Food in the Capital, has become an annual event, focusing on the city-region food-systems which will inform, inspire and connect our city and regions food businesses with social, technology and market leading trends. This gives participants access to thought-leaders from across the country and across the globe. 

Region Reach Indicator

Our ​Stakeholder Strategy

A successful City-Region Food System must be stakeholder inclusive, so through 2021 and 2022 RDA ACT is undertaking a series of stakeholder engagement events. These events offer stakeholders the opportunity to learn how the CRFC will benefit their organisation, and help us shape a Canberra Food future that helps them achieve their objectives. 

The first is December 8th 2021, when NGOs, Social Enterprises, Charities, Philanthropy and NFP organisations will meet to discuss food as an agent for change, addressing social disadvantage, health and inclusion. If you would like your organisation to be included in this or any programs in our event series and we haven't reached out to you yet, please contact us so we can ensure you are on our invitation list. ​

​Consultation Event December 8, 2021 - Charities, NGO's, NFP's

​The CRFC is an initiative of Regional Development Australia ACT. As we are a Not for Profit Organisation, we reply on sponsorship to support our events. Sponsorship offers you a significant number of benefits for a low investment, including the opportunity to place your branding in front of your target audience and, via our newsletter, to over 5000 key government and food related businesses. Opportunities start at just $500 and further details can be obtained by contacting us.