How to Develop a Policy Council
If you are interested in developing a Policy Council, then you’ve arrived at the right place. Within this section of posts (see further below), you’ll find useful information taken from our over 5 years of experience. Please click here for Food and Agriculture Policy Councils: What to Consider When Developing a Council.
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What to Consider When Developing a Council
Post Date: Sunday, May 11th, 2008Benefits/Reasons to begin a Council:
- It is an opportunity for the broader community interested in food and agriculture issues to work side-by-side with local government.
- Policy Councils give the group, both community participants and government, an opportunity to make decisions from a broader base of information and knowledge, likely providing a more informed outcome.
- The group educates itself and is better informed to make decisions that relate to government decision making.
- Councils help to develop, coordinate and implement a food system policy linking economic development and social impacts with farming and urban issues.
- Councils review and comment on proposed legislation and regulations that impact food and agriculture policy and security.
- Councils make recommendations to the executive and legislative branches of government on food and agriculture policy.Food and Agriculture Policy Councils (Councils) are a long-term commitment to working on food system issues. They should be comprised of a broad based group of dedicated individuals, from both the private and government sectors, who bring different talents and knowledge to the table. These Councils are inherently complex and take a great deal of slow thoughtful work with the understanding that it is a partnership and that all participants are willing to learn from one another, share information, develop decision making processes that provide “win-win” solutions, and that people are willing to listen and collectively come to decisions. This does not mean that there is always consensus. Even if there isn’t consensus, the meaningful outcome may be that those involved have a clearer understanding of the issues they face in their community’s food system.
Topics: How to Develop a Policy Council |