First act in ACT's new approach to local food production

Natural Capital Economics has been contracted by the ACT Government to deliver a study into agriculture production and the food system in the ACT.

This study is the first step under the Canberra Region Local Food Strategy, and will aim to obtain a range of baseline information about the local agriculture and food system in the ACT. It will also consider current supply chains and consult with those working in the food sector to get a deeper understanding of the current opportunities and barriers for increasing local food production.

Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said: “The 2023 draft Canberra Food Strategy is heralding a new approach from the ACT Government to how we value local food production as part of delivering on our vision for Canberra as a vibrant, livable, affordable and climate-resilient city.

“Consulting with the local Ngunnawal community and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT about further developing the bush food and traditional plant industry in the region is also a key investigation area for the study.

“This study is ultimately about what we grow, where we’re growing it and why we’re growing it in the ACT. Armed with this knowledge, our aim is to provide opportunities for farmers to expand their local produce operations in the territory and connect Canberrans with local growers directly.

“This study will help identify where our work needs to be focused and set goals to measure the success of future projects.

“Detailed local information is vital to help us reach our goals of increased local food production; better access to fresh, affordable local food for Canberrans; and greater climate resilience.”

The final Canberra Region Local Food Strategy 2024–29 will be released later in the year.

Image credit: iStock.com/Hispanolistic