Convergence is AFSA’s annual gathering for farmers, First Peoples, food producers, workers, eaters, researchers, chefs, organisers and allies. Since 2015, it has been a space to share knowledge, build solidarity, build collective action and shape AFSA’s priorities for the year ahead.

We are meeting at a time of growing threats, from the rise of neo- and technofascism, militarism and geopolitical instability to the growing demand for energy, land and water driven by urban sprawl and data centres. But there are also good things happening. Victoria has become the first Australian state to sign a treaty with First Nations peoples, a significant step towards First Peoples’ self-determination, social change and human rights. AFSA and the First Peoples Focal Group are proud to support the Victorian Treaty process and draw on the Yoorrook Commission’s recommendations in our work. 

This year, we’re gathering at Jonai Farms & Meatsmith, the home of Australia’s first collectivised on farm micro-abattoir. A prime example of collectivising infrastructure: the project brings people, resources and labour together for the benefit of the wider community, rather than placing individual interest first. It is the result of a lot of hard work by the Jonai family and friends alongside an eight-year campaign led by AFSA and our allies. Together, we helped secure Victorian reforms allowing micro-abattoirs to be built on farms without a planning permit. Our National Abattoir Campaign is now continuing this work in NSW and Queensland.

2026 is a big year for AFSA. We farewelled Jess and welcomed former National Committee member Antoine as General Coordinator. We strengthened our communications and legal support, and appointed a First Peoples Coordinator to support the First Peoples Focal Group. In our commitment to building intersectional solidarity, we are deepening relationships with allies across food, labour, health, water, manufacturing, climate and community organising. We have made significant progress on the Agroecology Land Trust and are preparing a new book based on the Peoples Food Plan. We joined a national campaign against corporate control of the National Food Council, and just started researching the infrastructure needed for agroecology in Victoria. Just recently, we were so proud to hear that our Focal Point for Farmers Tammi Jonas will join the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food systems (IPES-Food), go Tammi! These are exciting times for AFSA, there is still a great deal to do, but we know we are not alone.

Now is the time to come together and think strategically. 

• How can we build alliances strong and coordinated enough to shift the balance of power?
• How can we communicate and organise effectively in the age of AI and expanding data centres?
• How can local action connect with national and international struggles?
• How can we support one another while challenging the ongoing effects of colonialism?

If you ever asked yourself these questions, Convergence is the place to explore them, make plans and build the relationships needed for action.

AFSA exists to support farmers, First Peoples, food producers, workers, eaters and allies as they tackle the challenges of producing ethical, ecologically sound, and socially just food in a world where corporate control is increasing. We believe that community, collaboration, mutual aid, shared learning and equality are essential to challenging and dismantling the power structures that hold us back.