In its 2023 Public Trust Report, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity shared that almost one in five (22%) Canadians are ‘very concerned’ about environmental sustainability in farming.
But where can people go to get information on what farmers are doing to produce food sustainably? Many are looking to Canadian Food Focus, a website and outreach program that builds on Canadians’ deep-seated interest in food as a gateway to broader discussions about agriculture.
The site has articles, videos and podcasts on a host of different topics, including recipes, health concerns, stories of people in the food industry, cooking tips, fruits and vegetables that are in season, and farming practices, among many others.
Here’s just a sampling of the resources you can find about sustainable farming on Canadian Food Focus:
Environment and Sustainability
Connecting through food
The largest drivers of organic traffic to the site are Google searches for classic Canadian recipes, followed closely by inquiries about seasonal produce and how various foods are grown and raised. This trend underscores the natural curiosity of Canadians about what they eat and how it is produced, making food an ideal entry point for conversations about farming.
Find articles by topic:
“Food is our common ground and the most intimate way consumers relate to agriculture,” says Dorothy Long, Managing Director for Canadian Food Focus. “Food is where we need to begin our conversation with consumers. That will lead to the bigger picture of where food comes from and how it is grown and raised in Canada.”
Canadian Food Focus capitalizes on this connection by offering a rich tapestry of content that not only satisfies culinary curiosities but also educates consumers about agricultural practices. Through engaging articles, informative videos, and personal stories from farmers, the platform provides a comprehensive view of the food journey from farm to table.
Penny Eaton
Managing Director, Stakeholder Relations, Canadian Food Focus and Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan
Penny Eaton is a farm girl turned communications specialist who works to answer consumer questions about farming and food production. At Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, Penny manages stakeholder relations, coordinates events and communications projects and oversees funding requests and reporting.
Before joining FFC SK, Penny established her own consulting firm, providing writing and communications services to a wide base of clients. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan and is originally from a farm near Rosetown, Saskatchewan. She’s a proud Riders fan and probably takes Halloween a little too seriously.