VIU hosts symposium on Food Security in Cowichan Valley

A hundred years ago, Vancouver Island produced 85 percent of its own food. What will it take to get there again?

Vancouver Island University's new VIU@Cowichan Innovation Lab is sponsoring a day-long symposium on food security in the Cowichan Valley.

Join local food activists, farmers and food producers, the public, students and faculty at VIU's Cowichan campus to explore the challenges and solutions to developing local food security on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Panel discussions will offer presentations by experts and community groups, as well as discussion and networking opportunities around topics like the history of food self-sufficiency on Vancouver Island, issues in biodiversity and conservation of livestock and food crops, and innovative ways to connect food producers and consumers.

"This is an opportunity for participants to hear more about how local community groups are working to transition to a more sustainable future, and how research and programs at VIU can support that work," said Toni Smith, English professor at VIU.

"We invite the community to bring their concerns and ideas to these fascinating and productive discussions, and connect with others who are actively engaged in building local food security in a changing world."

The food symposium will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 am to 4:30 pm in the lecture theatre at VIU's Cowichan campus, room 140.

Cost of attending is $20, which includes a locally produced lunch, as well as coffee, tea and snacks.

Please RSVP online by Thursday, Oct. 18, at www.viu.ca/register/foodsecuritysymposium/ to secure a lunch reservation.

For more information, contact Smith at Toni.Smith@viu.ca

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Cutline: A hundred years ago, Vancouver Island produced 85 percent of its own food. VIU is hosting a symposium Oct. 20 to discuss how to enhance local food security.