The National Farmers Union (NFU) BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) Caucus is hosting a series of in-person farmer-led events coast to coast to coast! We are inviting current and aspiring BIPOC farmers and farm workers together to connect, learn, and organize together.

The NFU BIPOC Caucus has identified access to technical training as a barrier to entering farming, especially led by BIPOC producers. We also have a desire and a need to connect with and unite alongside BIPOC producers. In union, we are strong – and at the core of collective work, is relationships. We are so thrilled to offer financially-supported opportunities to bring BIPOC farmers and farm workers together to build relationships and learn. Aspiring BIPOC farmers / farm workers / adjacent food workers welcome!

Join us for our West Coast gathering! All West Coast BC-based BIPOC growers are invited to join us on a farm near Courtenay, BC, on Vancouver Island, to create connection with the land and other BIPOC farmers and farm workers using Indigenous cultural practices, and to have technical training on seed processing and use of a BCS (walk behind tractor). Natasha, an Indigenous NFU farmer in the BIPOC Caucus, will facilitate the workshop, and Heather; Indigenous seed farmer, will co-lead the technical training.

Where: 10 minutes North of Courtenay, BC. Register for directions / GPS pin to farm.

When: The fall equinox: September 23, 2023

What: Training in using a BCS (walk behind tractor) or seed processing and saving techniques. Event attendees will choose one of two technical training options, and together we will all explore our connections, collective struggles, and policy opportunities. The day will be grounded in Indigenous cultural practice.

The schedule of the day will be (subject to change): 

• 11:00 Meet and farm tour
  
• 11:30 Getting to know one another, connecting with the land

• 12:30 pm Lunch

• 1:30-2:30 Technical training. Option A: BCS tutorial/ workshop,Option B: Seed processing and saving workshop

We have planned a number of supports to help you attend in-person:

• There is a fund to reimburse local mileage costs and a small stipend to support ferry crossing. Need a ride? Have seats available? Please fill out one more short carpooling form to help us get everyone to the event!
• Lunch will be provided

Attendees must Register Here by September 9th.

After you register, more information will be sent to your email on how to access financial support for travel (gas reimbursement) & the event’s fine details! Any questions can be directed to koon@nfu.ca.

Are you coming? Bring a friend along too! Help us organize an impactful connecting opportunity.

Who we are

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is the national farm organization committed to family and cooperative farms. Promoting agroecology and food sovereignty, the NFU does not waver in our vision for farmers, farm workers, eaters, and the land, embedded in social and economic justice.

The NFU envisions a future with no barriers to racialized farmers & farm workers accessing land & growing sustainable farm operations. BIPOC farmers & farm workers form the BIPOC Caucus. The Caucus is committed to organizing our collective power, advancing the NFU’s mandate, deepening networks of support, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and promoting equitable livelihoods.

This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.