LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson has the summer sunlight required to produce bountiful gardens but changes will be required to capitalize on that opportunity.

Sheila Gunderson, left, gives her input as consultants Jerry Bouma and Markus Weber listen at the agricultural meeting in Fort Simpson on Monday. Participants were asked to give their vision for local agriculture in the next 10 years. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

About a dozen people showed up to an agricultural meeting hosted by the GNWT in conjunction with Serecon Consulting Group on Monday night.

Instead of the usual handing out of booklets and long speeches from government officials, the meeting was audience-driven and more of a forum for ideas from community members.

The question of the night was what would people like to see on the agricultural front 10 years from now in Fort Simpson and what barriers stand in the way.

Rolande Norwegian thought there could be a greenhouse opportunity in town.

She said the community could provide local employment to keep the greenhouse going all year round.

She also wondered about the village having a green park with fruit-bearing trees.

"Fort Simpson has the midnight sunlight," she said. "Why can't we produce some beautiful trees?"

Norwegian thought there could be a business opportunity for someone there.

Val Gendron underwent a long process to lease a piece of land to grow potatoes. Initially, it was going to cost her $600 per year.

"On one hand the government is saying go out and build gardens," she said. "On the other I'm like, 'Those are some very expensive potatoes.'"

Children love to garden and should have more opportunities to do so, especially during the school year, she said.

"My vision for all of Fort Simpson is if everybody had a backyard garden," said Gendron. "You don't need that big of a garden to support your family."

Renalyn Pascua-Matte was involved with starting the community garden in town. She said the garden does well even without additives in the soil.

"My vision is that if we produce a lot of vegetables here we don't even have to buy from the stores," she said.

"I find it healthy because we don't put any additives in the soil, and because it's accessible we end up giving it away to elders and to other individuals."

Gardening keeps her sane, she said, adding that what the town needs is proper storage for vegetables. Pascua-Matte wants to see more workshops to teach people about gardening.

Markus Weber, consultant with Serecon Consulting Group, said he had received lots of suggestions on how to improve agriculture in the region as a result of the meeting.

"One thing I've heard from all of you is you want something different from the status quo," he said.

Weber and the GNWT are continuing to solicit feedback in agricultural meetings across the territory until May 26.

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