A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Connect for Food Roundtable on April 7, 2025, in Strathcona County—it was a packed room and an inspiring day!
A diverse group of people from across the local food system came together for conversations that were rich, honest, and forward-looking. Together, we explored what’s working in the agrifood system, what’s missing, and what it will take to build the future we want to see.
The Roundtable supported action items identified in Strathcona County’s Agriculture and Food Sector Development Strategy. We're excited about the collaboration and ideas sparked, and look forward to what comes next.
Strathcona County
NAFMA Region
In 2022-24 Connect for Food embarked on its first project. In collaboration with Community Futures Northeast Partnership and the Northeast Alberta Food Marketers Association (NAFMA), and with funding from PrairiesCan, CFF workshops were held in Ardmore, Flat Lake, Bruderheim, Lac la Biche, Lloydminster and Vermilion. In April, 2024, the engagement culminated in a Symposium, Showcase & Exchange in Vermilion, bringing together 120 people to discuss changes wanted in our food economy.
NAFMA Champion Organization
The NAFMA Region project successfully laid the foundation for lasting impact by empowering a stand-alone society to address key issues identified through the Connect for Food process. As a result, in November 2024, the Northeast Alberta Food Marketers Association was revitalized with a new board, an engaged membership, and a vision for the future. The organization is now developing a strategic plan to foster a community-based, inter-regional approach to strengthening socioeconomic outcomes in the agrifood sector.
