Ontario public institutions and on-site food production: Current capacities and constraints

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

- Opportunity for on-site food production comes from public and political support for ‘local food’, combined with a shortage of land for new producers

- GIS study of Ontario healthcare properties shows 217 with more than one acre of arable land available, and 54 with more than five acres

- Case studies demonstrate the benefits of a ‘farmer’— independent, staff member or community group—and/or labour force dedicated to the project

- Initial and on-going viability correlates to the extent of institutional support, particularly staff time for project coordination

- Institutional motivations for on-site food production initiatives vary, include mental and physical therapeutic benefits

See more at the Project SOIL website.