Theme EC 6: Agriculture(16)

Theme Statement

Kingston has a secure, coordinated and integrated ecological and regional farm and food system based on sustainable farming practices.

Indicators

Preservation of Agricultural Land (Percentage of land designated for agricultural purposes that was not re-designated - annual and from base year).
Agricultural Intensity (Gross Farm Receipts per hectare land farmed).¹⁷

Goals

Raise appreciation of the importance of local food production, celebrate the agricultural industry and establish farming as an economically viable lifestyle.
Develop food production, processing, distribution, and retailing businesses/facilities.
Identify, designate, or secure prime agricultural land to develop adequate farm capacity for the Kingston community. Ensure that farmers have an adequate income.
Encourage and support local food production in developed areas.

Actions

Action	Action Lead	Target	Status
Living Cities Urban Farm at SLC	St. Lawrence College	Support local food production in developed areas; planted space to feed 50 people for 5 months.	Ongoing
Support Local Farms Featuring products from Enright Cattle Co, Sun Harvest Greenhouses, Wendy’s Mobile Market, Lyon’s Poultry Farm, Haanover View Pork Farm, Patchwork Gardens, Elk Ranch, Shepherd’s Choice Lamb, Empire Cheese, Glengary Cheese	Iron Duke on Wellington	- Use local products in menu items - Use local product in daily specials	Ongoing
Eat "Green" Program The program ensures vegetarian meals are available to associates and guests.	Ambassador Conference Resort	Provide healthy food options.	Ongoing
Eat “Green” Program The program ensures vegetarian meals are available to associates and guests. Our rooftop garden plots are enhancing our sustainable menu options.	Four Points by Sheraton	Provide healthy food options.	Ongoing
Local Organic Food Purchasing Program Find out more about the program under Environmental Initiatives.	Science ’44 Co-op Inc.	Continuously provide meals to our members from sustainable, organic and/or local sources.	Ongoing
Build Farm and Community This project has 3 components: - The Local Harvest Newspaper — features stories about local farmers and Kingston’s local food systems. It includes a local food and farmer directory. - The Fall Gathering — an annual event promoting local food, featuring community leaders, a local feast, and many networking opportunities. - Action Research Project — summer 2011 community research project to explore the strengths and needs of stakeholders in the local food system. The findings will be shared at the Fall Gathering and in the Local Harvest.	New Farm Project (NFP)	To build resiliency into our local food system through awareness of the issues, greater engagement of all involved, increased accessibility, and stronger community ties.	Ongoing
Farmer Training and Support This National Farmer's Union project supports new and established farmers through its annual workshop series and special events, and micro financing for off-season learning and farm conferences, and livestock, seed, and equipment.	New Farm Project (NFP)	In addition to workshops open to the public, each year the NFP works to support at least 12 new and revisioning farmers through micro financing to acquire training, livestock, seed, and equipment.	Ongoing (monthly)
Urban Fresh Farming Program The program is aimed at conversion of unused green space in the city for food production by sustainable urban farming.	Living Cities Company	- To improve local food production and food security, increase urban biodiversity, and provide an educational resource connecting consumers with food production. - To provide 10% of Kingston’s vegetable needs within the next 10 years.	Ongoing
City of Kingston Agricultural Study Report An initiative of the Department of Planning and Development.	City of Kingston	Completion of a study of agricultural conditions in Kingston that makes recommendations for policy improvements to be considered for the new Official Plan.	The Agricultural Study was completed in March, 2007 and recommendations were used to allow for protection of prime agricultural lands and other aspects of agriculture within Kingston's New Official Plan.

16 Please refer to the theme SO 3 – Food and Nutrition for additional goals related to agriculture.
17 Replace indicator with Realized Net (farm) Income from the markets (RNI is with subsidies subtracted out) per hectare, if data is available at the municipal scale.
18 Under SO 3 – Food and Nutrition, a similar goal appears: Promote a local organic food industry with supported retailing businesses and facilities.