A little-known group called the Northumberland Food Policy Council is seeking representation from municipal councils to support local food production.
Brighton Councillor Jeff Wheeldon wants Brighton to be the first council in the county to appoint a politician to the group, in hopes of creating a more sustainable food supply and supporting local agriculture, at a meeting earlier this week.
He proposed the motion, highlighting Brighton’s agricultural significance and the council’s role in supporting local food systems. The council discussed the need for municipal representation to address food security, affordability, and sustainable farming challenges.
What began as a simple notice of motion for council to consider turned into a 35-minute debate.
In the end, the motion was amended to direct staff to provide a report by April, taking into account the next term’s council composition. The council agreed to support the Food Policy Council’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of local food production and equitable access.
Have a listen and see if you think this is a good idea for Brighton and other municipalities within Northumberland.
In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen in on what is happening at the various councils in Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.
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