Global Food Collaborative

Are we smart enough to compete?  Seriously, do we have what it takes to compete and succeed and sustain at succeeding?  If you think we do, then great.   I'll plan a vacation.  I, for one, think there is a lot more work to be done.

As Alaskans take on the mantra of self-sufficiency, food and energy security independence, I do not think it goes far enough. I would prefer to focus on what I call the "Get Smart Program".

Let me set the stage with a few situations that have caused me to get stuck on the "Get Smart Program". 

• Thomas Friedman visited Alaska a few years ago to promote his book, "The World Is Flat".    As he lectured of his travels around the world, he talked of the economies of countries that were resource-based, like Alaska.   He not so subtly addressed the correlation of resource rich regions to lack of innovation and economic diversity.     His theory was that regions rich in resources were not innovative, because they did not have to be.   Regions that were not so rich often scrambled to be innovative in their economic well-being.  Although he did not say much on that score about Alaska while he was here, he did mention it later upon his return to New York.    

• I contacted the Chamber of Commerce in Bellingham, Washington in the late 90's to get their sponsorship for an economic development conference in Alaska.   I contacted the Executive Director and introduced myself and explained what I wanted and why.    I explained that they had benefited from many businesses being started and developed in Alaska and once successful - relocating to Bellingham.    He did not skip a beat, "And don't think we don't notice and appreciate it."

• On business missions to Chile, Iceland, Ireland and Norway to observe the food supply chain, we observed apprenticeship programs, boarding schools, post-secondary and graduate programs, as well as well as industry sponsored/focused programs that support the economic well being of their regions future.   The one I most admired was a program where students rotated their 5th year between countries that were competitors and markets.     The outcome was that these "food professionals" were not only developing knowledge - they were solidifying supply chain relationships for the long run.  This reminded me of the Japanese Trading Company model.   Once you were in, it was pretty much a fix for life on growing business opportunities and you were either on the inside or outside.   

• A few weeks ago, I was watching the Alaska State legislature deliberate.   One of the Senators inquired to a so-called, economic development specialist, "What ever happened to our "value added" initiatives?"   The Senator then elaborated that when he first ran for public office, the economy was struggling and we were looking a ways to add value to our raw resources.    It was optimal, because it generated good paying jobs.       After he was elected, oil prices went up.    Game over.

Oil prices are down now.   The global economy is down.   Now what?   We can't afford to be behind, we absolutely MUST be ahead.

How about "The Get Smart Program?"

Individuals throughout Alaska who produce food, beverage and agri-products are the smartest Alaskans.   (OK, I'm not that objective.) They are knowledgeable about sciences - biology, physics, biotechnology, chemistry and physiology.     They are knowledgeable about ramifications of time/temperature to food safety, quality and shelf-stability.  They know about green supply chains, traceability and how to measure their carbon footprint.    They are knowledgeable about sustainability of their raw resource.    They are knowledgeable about the laws and compliance requirements they have to follow for general business operations and food processing.   They are accomplished manufacturers who have knowledge how to transition a raw resource to a consumer product.      They are knowledgeable about optimal transportation, business management and marketing.   They are knowledgeable about their markets.     They create good paying jobs.

Last night, I watched the line-by-line budget being reviewed by the Alaska State Legislature.    As each item was read, I made my own assessment on its merits to the  "Get Smart Program".      That is frankly my only metric these days.

What is the "Get Smart Program?".    It is beyond self-sufficiency.   It is creating good paying jobs that are sustained in Alaska.   It is cultivating and sustaining knowledge in Alaska.    Individuals producing food, beverage and agri-products are a resource of knowledge that should be recognized and supported.   They are adding value to Alaska's raw resource, they are creating good paying jobs, they are raising our collective opportunities to compete and succeed. These individuals need smart infrastructure, smart policies and a smart labor force.

Remember, the supply chain of food is not just your local grocer - it is the sustainability of the oceans, healthy foods, renewable energy, technologies that support visibility of the supply chain.   It is temperature control technologies, farmers, gardeners, fishermen and processors.   It is nutritionists, chef's and restaurant owners and food service professionals.  It is coastal, river and interior communities.       It is a comprehensive economic and social system.  

How about stewarding our finite resources of money and time to allocations that support our most sustainable future by using  "The Get Smart Program" as your metric?