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Simcoe County planning ‘Regional Food Hub’

June 27, 2013   ·   0 Comments

The Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture (SCFA) recently conducted a feasibility study regarding the possibility of a Regional Food Distribution Hub within Simcoe County.

The SCFA held an information session at the Cookstown Public Library to inform the public about its next steps in creating a Regional Food Distribution Hub.

The process began in October 2012, gathering information and input from numerous sources.

Regional producers, buyers, and residents provided input on a Regional Food Hub; existing hubs throughout North America were also analyzed. The Ontario Food Terminal (OFT) acts as the main distribution centre for the surrounding area, but Simcoe County would like to change that.

The Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture has a specific vision for its Regional Food Hub, which includes a venue to do business and eventually creating pay-for-use services including: washing, delivery, grading, and storage.

The SCFA describes the food hub as a multi-use facility with numerous benefits to residents, industry workers, and tourists. The vision for the Regional Food Hub includes: space for farmer’s market activities, two-way product transfer with the OFT, reduced transportation costs with 100% back hauling, and an alliance with the OFT.

The SCFA ensures that regional producers will be given tremendous support and opportunity through the food hub. Products sold through the food hub will be from the Simcoe County area.

The SCFA intends to promote its local farmers throughout the process and existence of the Regional Food Hub.

The distribution hub will be based on two operating models; each one will have its own unique benefits.

The SCFA is proposing a vertical operating model or a horizontal operating model for its Regional Food Hub. The vertical operating model will focus on serving a larger area by offering higher volumes of a narrower range of products. A vertical operating model will also provide the food hub with higher volumes in products, year-round supply, many economies of scale, and a broad market reach. The vertical model resembles a larger-scale manufacturer.

The Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture is also considering a horizontal operating model. By providing lower volumes, but a broader range of products, the horizontal model resembles a custom products manufacturer. A horizontal model will be an outlet for traceable, branded, and sought after products.

The Regional Food Hub will provide Simcoe County with quality home grown products. The success and development of the food hub will be based on its relationship with the Ontario Food Terminal.

For more information and a detailed review of the SCFA’s next steps visit www.wcmconsulting.com/fdh

By Michael Tomasone

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