From the farm to the cafeteria

This was the theme of a large gathering that was held last November.  It’s also the goal we’ve set for ourselves in our MRC and in the Coaticook MRC, with the help of the MAPAQ.
 What is it?
It’s primarily a direct link between producers and establishments (schools and CPEs)
 Why is it necessary?
The required quality standards and food costs make it difficult for distributors or establishments to balance their budgets.
Producers can’t compete with national suppliers, both in terms of costs and, more specifically, logistics.
The supply does not meet the demand.
The purchasing processes have yet to become customary.
 How is it achieved?
Building on promising initiatives, we’ll begin by bringing the main players back to the negotiating table so they can share their views on issues such as supply and demand, purchasing processes and coordination.
 
Then, working together, we’ll gradually build a partnership between producers and establishments that will allow them to get to know one another and to facilitate learning.    
Subsequently, we’ll develop a local purchasing network.
 
The basis for it
We now know how important it is, from a nutritional as well as an educational standpoint, to provide foods with high nutritional value as well as to help youth reconnect with nature. 
And from an economic standpoint, we know that in supporting local producers and the local economy, we help create a vibrant and attractive community.
So, in the end, we have all the components - social, environmental and economic - necessary for a sustainable development.