ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.11

We will develop and foster the knowledge economy by:

• In partnership with other organizations, supporting the creation of a central repository that supports knowledge dissemination, research, and best practices for northern farming conditions, and promoting innovative farm practices and northern based greenhouse and related technologies.

Farming Central Repository

Feedback from the Agriculture Strategy engagement process indicated that anecdotal evidence about successful historical practices, such as those used by experimental farms, is not easily accessible.  A recommendation was made to create a centralized, on-line repository for historical documents, research, learning resources and current information specific to agricultural production in the north.

A central repository will enhance the sharing of information to fill gaps, reduce duplication and create awareness of sector development and advancements.

In support of continued learning and training, information and networking resources will be created and shared. This will include information on training opportunities, conferences, circumpolar and pan-territorial networks and other topics identified by food producers.

Territorial Agriculture Conference

The first NWT Agriculture Conference took place in Hay River on October 13-15, 2017.

The NWT Agriculture Conference provided an opportunity for NWT growers to connect and learn from one another.  The conference is one of the ways the Government of the Northwest Territories is building capacity in commercial agriculture and food production.

The conference focused on food growers and producers, with a variety of sessions covering a central theme of helping farmers and producers to grow their businesses.

Related Mandate Commitments:

• Commitment 1.2.1 - We will expand the agricultural sector by:
  • Implementing the Agriculture Strategy
  • Improving access to agricultural land
  • Updating agricultural funding programs
  • Supporting training for commercial farmers
• Commitment 2.5.5 - We will implement programs that support youth in their communities and in their schools to encourage local food production and consumption.
• Commitment 4.3.5 - We will reduce the burden of chronic disease by promoting healthy lifestyles and improving screening and management, with specific focus on:
  • Expanding the production and availability of local foods such as fish, country food, and garden produce.