The Chautauqua County Food Policy Council has three main focus areas: networking, policy, and support. As a Council, we believe that directing our efforts toward bring the food system together, making positive policy recommendations, and providing support to local organizations will help us to sustain a strong food system.

The Council believes part of its purpose is to enhance the connectivity of the local food system. By bringing stakeholders of the food system together, we can begin to identify and overcome the challenges within it.

Through networking, we can better understand what policy barriers our system faces. Whether we’re talking about a producer or a wholesaler, regulations are prominent through each stage of the system. The Council seeks to identify regulations that benefit or inhibit our food system and recommend suggestions or alternatives.

Chautauqua County is home to many organizations and individuals focused on community improvement. From educational supports to assistance programs offered, there are many groups already working to improve the food system. The Council intends to support these organizations by way of education and by making connections between these groups.