Episode 1: Designing a Circular, Regenerative Food System

In this pilot episode in the series, we look at the food system, the challenges that existed well before the pandemic and which have been magnified during it. We examine some of the fundamental issues underpinning the modern food system. We learn about the various stakeholders working to realign the production, distribution, and consumption of food with the natural cycles so that we can meet our food needs while helping to heal the earth and our connection to it.

The focus is an exciting pilot project, called Our Food Future, taking place in Canada, in the City of Guelph and the surrounding Wellington County, which are located in the province of Ontario. We hear from a number of stakeholders working to develop Canada’s first circular food economy, which is poised to become a new model for other communities across Canada and beyond.

Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links:

Our Food Future
https://foodfuture.ca/our-food-future

Wellington Federation of Agriculture
https://www.wfofa.on.ca/

Janet Harrop, Harrcroft Acres
https://harrroft-acres-limited.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

Nathan Smith, Winterhill Farm & Garden
https://winterhillfarmandgarden.com/

Val Steinmann, Heartwood Farm & Cidery
https://heartwoodfarm.ca/

Cher Mereweather, Provision Coalition
https://provisioncoalition.com/

Barb Swartzentruber, Smart Cities Office, City of Guelph, Our Food Future
https://guelph.ca/city-hall/city-administrators-office/smart-cities-challenge/

Richard Preiss, Escarpment Laboratories
https://escarpmentlabs.com/

Court Desautels, The Neighbourhood Group
https://www.neighbourhoodgroup.com/restaurants

Lynn Broughton, Taste Detours
https://tastedetours.ca/

Brian Watson, Kortright Presbyterian Church
https://www.kortrightchurch.org/

Emily Huddart Kennedy, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia
https://sociology.ubc.ca/profile/emily-huddart-kennedy/

Ellen MacArthur Foundation
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/