CVEPP is combining traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable hunting and gathering practices with conventional and organic agriculture to create a sustainable foods plan for this bioregion. We desire to become community leaders in terms of food security, sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and community organizing for systemic change. We hope to be teachers and keepers of knowledge and a resource to other communities in Alaska.
CVEPP is building a network of local growers within the Mat-Su Valley so that all involved with buying, producing, and distributing foods in this region are working together to support food security for this community. We also plan to become producers ourselves by building a 4-seasons greenhouse in the spring of 05, creating a community garden, and designing a Community Supported Agriculture “starts” program to create an income for the greenhouse. For Greenhouse updates please see www.chickaloon.org.
We are in the process of the creating a growers guide booklet of local organic and non-organic vegetable, dairy, and meat producers and are seeking out training and community support to build our skills and a knowledge base for specific sub-arctic and greenhouse growing. The booklet will include pictures and stories of the local farmers and farms, production lists, operating hours, services offered, and directions. We desire to better serve this community by helping to increase local food consumption, local food production, local revenue that stays within the community, and improve community health by helping to change personal eating habits from global processed foods to eating within the bioregion.
