Project Description

PROJECT SCOPE There is no hard data for food distribution between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Ottawa, Ontario, that we have found thus far. We have completed business planning but lack a reliable analysis of distribution methods within Northern Ontario. There are significant quantities of secondary research reports conducted, however, including surveys and overall industry assessments. Distribution throughout Northern Ontario remains the primary challenge to ensuring our organization meets its social mission of increasing access of Far North Indigenous communities to fresh produce, and lowering cost of produce in the Far North by at least 25%. We need a firm understanding of distribution chain issues and establish a solid plan to achieve our goal. In addition, the climate varies widely, with extreme cold ( down to -40°C) and warm summers. As a result, packaging and shipping requirements need to adequately insulate our greens and vegetables from spoiling due to weather exposure. We have established a non-profit food hub in Dryden, Ontario, the same city that AgriTech North is operating. This organization could expand the available goods from produce grown in vertical farms and greenhouses, to prepared foods, meat, and other locally-produced food products, which may be advantageous to the distribution strategy since we will then more likely be able to ship full trucks and/or planes. Delivery directly to consumer is challenging due to varying times at which individuals are home and a sensitivity of the goods to the weather, so there is potential to suggest delivery “hubs” in communities that cost cold, freezer, and room temperature storage within a community for consumer pick-up. There may also be the potential of hiring a logistics team full-time through the non-profit and hiring staff to operate the region, if that is found to be advantageous during analysis.