Solidarity Session #39 – Food Policy Councils: Learnings from Canada

Wednesday 22 April, 9 – 10 AM AEST

Join the Agroecology and Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) for this timely one-hour session exploring lessons from Canada’s experience with Food Policy Councils — and what they can teach us as Australia faces the corporate capture of its own National Food Council.

With the Who Decides Food campaign calling attention to who truly influences our food system, this conversation couldn’t be more relevant. Understanding how Food Policy Councils can either empower communities and push for structural change or entrench corporate interests is vital for everyone invested in food sovereignty and democratic governance.

Guest speakers include Charles Levkoe (Lakehead University), drawing on his research into the Canadian National Food Policy Council; Jacob Birch (AFSA First Peoples Focal Group), sharing insights on First Peoples-inclusive modes of food governance; and Rob Arcidiacono (AFSA National Committee; CSIPM Australasian Coordinator), offering a global perspective from CSIPM.

Charles Levkoe is the Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems, a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada, and a Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Lakehead University. His work focuses on how people and communities are transforming the way we grow, share, and think about food, studying the relationships between social movements, public policy, and community-based initiatives that are building more just, sustainable, and democratic food systems. He is also the Director of the Sustainable Food Systems Lab, bringing together researchers, community organizations, and Indigenous partners to explore how food can be a powerful tool for social and environmental change. Charles has published widely on food systems governance, community-based research, and social change — including more than 200 articles, book chapters, and reports, as well as several edited volumes on food sovereignty and sustainability.

Come listen, learn, and connect as we unpack what meaningful participation in food policy truly looks like and how we can reclaim decision-making power by the people for the people.

Speakers:

• Chair: Dr Tammi Jonas, AFSA Farmers Rep; former CSIPM Australasian CC Member
• Dr Charles Levkoe, Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems, Lakehead University
• Dr Rob Arcidiacono, AFSA National Committee; CSIPM Australasian CC Member
• Jacob Birch, AFSA First Peoples Focal Group

Event details:

• Date: Wednesday 22nd April
• Time: 9-10am (AEST)
• Location: Online (Zoom)
• Cost: FREE

As always, this session is open to anyone and everyone interested in food sovereignty and agroecology.

For anyone interested in this event, please share this invitation widely with your networks.

If you have any questions about this Solidarity Session, please email us at coordinator@afsa.org.au.