Island Roots Director: Peggy Burkosky

Peggy's initial reason for accepting the responsibility of director for the Island Roots Market Co-op was a simple one. As a producer of local value-added seafood, she agrees with the Co-op's goals to provide direct access to local food products. It has always been a challenge for local fishermen that work extremely hard to find a way to sell their catch other than to the typical chain of buyers and processors, leaving the fisherman with the least amount of benefits and a spiraling lack of encouragement for the next generation to continue the family business. This situation is identical to family farms across the nation that have not encouraged their children to carry on with their heritage farms. One of the most highlighted areas of need revealed in this month's VIHA hosted symposium "Food Connections Gathering " was that of a local farm/seafood market, followed by creating land trusts for food security on Vancouver Island.

Having been directly involved in working with local youth completing high school, she observes the highly prevalent need for jobs within our Island communities. Job creation has historically been achieved through co-operatives across Canada, and I can't think of a more rewarding effort than to try and serve these needs.

Best regards,
Peggy Burkosky