You’re probably here because you want to see a change in the future of food growing and farming. At the heart of that change is who grows our food, and even more so – who is able to access the resources to do so. Like us, you’ve probably noticed that certain farmer demographics are more represented than others.
The question then is – how do we break down these barriers so that EVERYONE can succeed?
We believe that it starts with education.
As an organization focused on new and young farmers, we want to centre equity-deserving farmers in the conversation.
Farmers for Climate Solutions defines equity facing farmers as:
“Young farmers, women farmers, farmers with disabilities, Black farmers, Indigenous farmers and food providers, farmers of colour, small-scale farmers, 2SLGBTQ+ farmers, and new Canadian farmers often experience additional and unique barriers to enter and succeed in our sector.”
So what exactly is diversity, equity and inclusion?
Here’s a diagram that we found helpful:
As current or aspiring food growers, farmers, and consumers, we can work to understand the systematic barriers that exist in food production and access to food as a way to grow equity, diversity and inclusion for the future of our food systems.
We’ve put together some resources. Feel free to browse at your own pace and share with us the things you’ve learned along the way. Education is an ongoing process, and we hope that you will join us in learning, unlearning, and relearning what we know about who has access to growing food.
Page banner: Kyla P., author of the post “Farming in Canada: Who else do you have to thank?,” at the BIPOC farming immersion at Soul Fire Farm. Photo by Quin Buck.
Below are a list of farms and organizations who are working on building diversity, equity inclusion in relation to food-growing. Their programs offer examples in the community of taking the above learnings and putting them into action.
We hope to further diversity, equity, and inclusion in farming. This page will continually be updated with resources in the community that we find helpful. Keep checking back for updates and continue your learning journey with us.
Want to share your learnings or have any suggestions? Email network@youngagrarians.org.