SWOT approach helps focus group analyze the local food system in Bonners Ferry

A $25,000 Western USDA-SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) grant entitled Increasing Knowledge and Capacity for Transforming Local and Regional Food Systems in Idaho sponsored both a statewide conference and a series of smaller studies across the state on this topic. The Boundary County project was one of five projects funded statewide. A focus group of 26 community members attended a 5.5-hour focus group session let by a facilitator that used a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis to examines internal and external factors facing the county's local food system. This group felt that Boundary County has the potential to develop a strong local food system but that there were significant barriers, including price of locally produce (48% of respondents) and a lack of marketing to connect buyers and selling (43%). The group wants to include self-sufficiency for the community and felt that they have a great growing region and a supportive culture. However, there is considerable poverty, a lack of skilled labor, and logistical/transportation issues due to the geographical isolation and lack of population centers.