Course:LFS350/Projects/W2017/Galiano

Project Summary

Purpose

This project is an exciting opportunity to experience the complexities of an island food system.

• Students will investigate changes to BC Ferries policies that removed priority boarding for vehicles transporting livestock.

Areas of Focus

• Community food security
• Animal welfare
• BC Ferries transportation policies

Skills

• Policy analysis
• Corporate communications
• Developing on-line and in-person interview questions

Location

• Galiano Island

Special Considerations

• This project requires students to travel to Galiano Island on one weekend in the term (i.e. a free trip to a gulf island...)
• Be willing and able to complete moderate physical activity as the Galiano Club always has hands-on opportunities to engage with the island residents and experience unique aspects of the island food system

Organization Information

Name

Galiano Community Food Program

Mission

"The Galiano Community Food Program, part of the Galiano Club, builds community by growing, preparing, preserving and sharing food. The Food Program nourishes and strengthens island food security through learning and sharing skills. The Food Program values collaboration, inclusiveness and connections, healthy growing practices, sustainability and equal food access for all. One of the priorities of the Food Program is to provide low-cost healthy meals to the community. For more information visit: Galiano Food Program

Primary Contact

• Name: Jane Wolverton, President of the Galiano Club
  
• Email: jwolverton@telus.net
  
• Address: 141 Sturdies Bay Road
  
• Phone: 250-539-2427
  
• Website: www.galianofoodprogram.ca
  

Project Description

The Food Program is interested in having students investigate changes to BC Ferries policies that removed priority boarding for vehicles transporting livestock. Transporting livestock is necessary part of farming on the Gulf Islands as the number of government certified abattoirs has decreased, requiring long travel for animals to be slaughtered and processed. Transporting livestock can be very stressful to both animals and humans. In the past, priority boarding for livestock and horses has existed on BC Ferries but recent policy changes have eliminated priority boarding and re-routed requests of this nature to the general boarding reservation process, which some residents state is insufficient to meet the welfare needs of animals.

Read the following blog by a Gulf Island farmer about her experiences: http://thefarmersstand.blogspot.ca/2012/01/ferries-and-farming.html

Students will...

1. research current BC Ferries policy on transporting livestock through web searches, emails and phone calls to BC Ferries head office
2. contact and speak with Galiano farmers and other Gulf Island farmers about their experiences and suggestions for improvements
3. develop a one or two-page document outlining current policies and a evidence-based argument for the need for BC Ferries to increase attention to animal welfare needs in transportation

Skills Preferred

• Attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with residents
• Research skills using a combination of online and in-person interview skills

Skills to Be Developed

• research skills
• interview skills
• analytical skills in assessing on-line and in-person interview responses
• written presentation skills (through summarizing and communicating the study results and implications)

Project Location

Work could be mostly from Vancouver (phone interview and online research). An overnight visit is necessary so students will be able to interview residents in-person.

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

To be determined, based on student availability.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Digging out and screening the beds in the Community Greenhouse
• Shovelling compost and manure
• Broom removal
• Participate in a test kitchen
• Participate in our Community Stock-up Market in set-up and take-down
• Mulch garlic beds
• Weed school garden

Expected Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Student will be able to...

• develop their research skills;
• analyze policy documents
• practice written presentation and graphic skills;
• apply and practice interview skills

Organizational Outcomes

Galiano Community Food Program will gain...

• a one or two-page document outlining current policies and a evidence-based argument for increased attention to animal welfare needs in transportation
• a better understanding of BC Ferries transportation policies for livestock
• strengthened ongoing relationship with UBC