For Immediate Release
TORONTO, December 2016 – The Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA) has released an Info Sheet on their Asset Mapping Methodology to accompany their Asset Mapping Project Profile, Analysis of Food and Farming Assets in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The methodology Info Sheet is offered as an additional resource to supplement the successful GHFFA asset mapping project profiles for those interested in conducting similar analyses. Asset mapping was a key part of the Grow the Cluster pillar of the GHFFA Action Plan.
Asset mapping is a process that inventories capacities in a given sector within a defined geography, and can be used for many purposes. An asset mapping data set can be used to analyze sector strengths and weaknesses, show networks, identify gaps and profile emerging opportunities. Ultimately, analysis of the collected data can lead to better decision-making.
The GHFFA Info Sheet uses the agri-food value chain in the GGH region to illustrate their methodology, and details why it’s an important and valuable process, with an explanation of the coordinated, collaborative approach and sequence of steps.
The GHFFA asset mapping project was initiated to establish an understanding of agri-food assets in the area, and to help municipalities gather data on the agri-food value chain in their respective areas. The tool is now available to participating municipalities.
The project allowed for an analysis of strengths and weaknesses, and identified present gaps and emerging economic opportunities within the regions’ food and farming cluster. The report then offers four strategies that point to significant growth opportunities.
To view the GHFFA asset mapping methodology, as well as the project profiles themselves, visit www.foodandfarming.ca/research.
The GHFFA is a partnership between the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, the Friends of the Greenbelt, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the regional municipalities of Niagara, Peel, Halton, York, and Durham, and the cities of Hamilton and Toronto. The collaboration works for an integrated and coordinated approach to food and farming viability in the area.
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Contact:
Janet Horner
Executive Director
Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance
519-925-5975
janet@whitfieldfarms.com