Episode 29: Farming Justice & Food Sovereignty
Black Canadian farmers are doing more than just growing food - they're creating culturally relevant foods that are local and sustainable for Afro-Caribbean communities. Innovation is the spirit of immigrants and we're excited to highlight the inspiring work of a Nigerian-born farmer Toyin Ajayi of British Columbia and explore the positive impact Black Canadian farmers are making.
Hear how Black farmers, like Toyin, play a critical role in addressing Canadian food insecurity and create culturally relevant and sustainable foods for Black communities in Canada. Even with a multitude of barriers, Black Canadians strive to make it work - and not just for themselves. We explore the challenges Black farmers experience, including the access to land and resources along the broader context of food security and cultural relevance.
We shouldn't need a tariff war to motivate us in supporting local food and regional, sustainable farming. And we shouldn’t need to look past underrepresented groups when the solutions to climate change and sustainable food sourcing is right in front of us. Solutions like community gardens and urban farming to boost food sovereignty are just a few ways to empower Black communities along with the rest of us to make food accessible for all Canadians. Invest in and support Black farmers in Canada.
To learn more about the Canadian Black Farmers Association and to read more of Toyin's story, visit: https://canadianblackfarmers.ca/
Episode Sources
Nigerian-born Farmer on a mission to build food security for BC’s Black Communities - Global News
Household Food Insecurity in Canada - University of Toronto
How do we talk about food insecurity? - University of British Columbia
Food Policy for Canada: Five Year Report - Government of Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission Annual Report - Canadian Human Rights Commission
Quiz Sources
What produce does Canada import? How the US, Mexico and other countries supply the Canadian market - University of British Columbia
What’s happening to Vancouver Island’s local food supply - Capital Daily