I’m proud to be the Chair of the RAMP Task Force. Along with my elected colleagues and expert advisors, we are tasked with creating a made-for-Edmonton-Metro solution to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing agriculture and food sector.
It’s true, we have a lot of land, but much is under siege because of a perceived endless supply of land in the Region. We are blessed to have some of the best agricultural soils in the country and, arguably, in the world.
Canada is projected to be one of only a handful of food exporting nations in a fast approaching future - we are in the “bread basket” of Canada, so protecting and conserving the best of that bountiful land is crucial.
So we are facing a challenge, yes, but there’s also the huge opportunity. How can we accommodate a doubling of the region’s population while maintaining a momentum in our ag sector, a momentum that sees us doing more with less, differently but more effectively, than just 30 years ago?
While technology and social awareness may be on our side, there is much to do and it will require the collaboration and support from many; it takes a village to raise safe and secure food supplies. I’ll be keeping you up to date with our progress as we go.
Be sure to read the RAMP team profiles – you’ll learn who we are and what being on the Task Force means to us!
Till next time,
Mayor Rod Shaigec,
Chair, RAMP Task Force