A. Food and food support systems

CATEGORY A – FOOD AND FOOD SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Native and economic species, organic and biocide free, products of good nutritional value.

A1. Plant resources

• 1.1 Nurseries and propagation centers, tissue culture, sources of inoculants, mycorrhiza.
• 1.2 Plant collections and botanical gardens, economic plant assemblies, aquatic species.
• 1.3 Research institutes, horticultural and pastoral agencies.
• 1.4 Seed sources and seed exchanges.
• 1.5 Native species reserves and nurseries.
• 1.6 Demonstration farms and gardens, teaching centers, workshop conveners.
• 1.7 Government departments and their resources, regulations.
• 1.8 Voluntary agencies involved in plant protection, planting, and propagation.
• 1.9 Skilled people, botanists, horticulturists.
• 1.10 Publications and information leaflets of use in the region, reference books, libraries, posters.
• 1.11 Contractors and consultancy groups: implementation of plant systems, farm designs.
• 1.12 Produce: products and producers in region, growers.
• 1.13 Checklist of vegetables, fruits and nuts which can be grown in the region and species useful for other than food provision.

A2. Animal resources

• 2.1 Breeders and stud or propagation centers, artificial insemination, hatcheries.
• 2.2 Species collections, including worms and like invertebrates.
• 2.3 Fish breeders and aquatic species.
• 2.4 Useful native species collections and reserves, potential for cultivation.
• 2.5 Demonstration farms, e.g. free range, bee culture, workshop conveners, teaching centers.
• 2.6 Government departments and their resources, regulations.
• 2.7 Voluntary agencies and animal protection societies.
• 2.8 Skilled people, farriers, vets, natural historians.
• 2.9 Contractors (shearers, etc.) and consultancy groups, farm designers.
• 2.10 Publications, posters, libraries for the region
• 2.11 Produce: species and suppliers in region.

A3. Integrated pest management (IPM)

• 3.1 Insectaries and invertebrate predator breeders and suppliers of biological controls.
• 3.2 Suppliers of safe control chemicals, traps.
• 3.3 Information sources on IPM.
• 3.4 Pest management of stored grains and foods.
• 3.5 References and libraries
• 3.6 Checklist of common pests and predators, and safe pest control procedures.

A4. Processing and food preservation

• 4.1 Suppliers of processing equipment.
• 4.2 Food Processing Centers (FPCs).
• 4.3 Information sources on food processing and preservation.
• 4.4 Sources of yeasts, bacterial and algal ferment materials.
• 4.5 Processed-product producers in region.

A5. Markets and outlets

• 5.1 Local markets, farmer’s markets.
• 5.2 Delivery services.
• 5.3 Export markets and wholesalers.
• 5.4 Urban-rural co-op systems, direct marketing.
• 5.5 Retail outlets.
• 5.6 Market advisory skills and groups, contract and legal skills.
• 5.7 Roadside and self-pick sales.
• 5.8 Market packaging and package suppliers, ethical packaging systems and designs.
• 5.9 Annual barter fair, health fairs, conferences, etc.

A6. Support services and products for food production

• 6.1 Residue testing services for biocides, also nutrient, mineral and vitamin content (food quality control).
• 6.2 Soil, water and leaf analysis services for micronutrients and soil additives, water analyses, pH levels.
• 6.3 Hydrological and water supply services (dams, domestic water), design and implementation.
• 6.4 Fence and trellis suppliers and services, cattle grids and gates.
• 6.5 Suppliers of natural fertilizers, mulch materials, trace elements, soil amendments.
• 6.6 Farm machinery, garden and domestic tool suppliers (see also processing), appropriate and tested equipment, fabricators and designers, repair services, hire and contract services.
• 6.7 Land planning services.
• 6.8 Greenhouse, shadehouse, food dryers, suppliers, and appropriate materials.
• 6.9 Lime quarries and sources, stone dusts, local trace mineral sources, regional geological resources.