BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) Caucus
A supportive community of Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour farmers, farm workers, and land stewards working together to offer peer-to-peer support, knowledge sharing opportunities, a space for BIPOC folks to develop deep connections, and to dismantle barriers to entry and success in farming, as we work towards decolonization and an equitable food and farming system.
Who are we?
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is a progressive farm organization concerned about all aspects of life on farms and all members of farm families and cooperatives. Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) farmers are active and equal participants in the National Farmers Union (NFU); organizing, influencing policy, and serving as elected officers.
Our constitution provides for BIPOC positions at every level of governance to ensure that the perspectives of BIPOC farmers, farm workers, and land stewards are included in all work. The BIPOC Caucus strives to offer culturally safe space for BIPOC folks to exist and contribute genuinely and create meaningful connections as we pursue a future with fewer barriers to participation in agriculture.
Board of Directors
Regional Representatives
Where we came from / our history
The BIPOC Caucus began in 2020 as a working group of racialized farmers, farm workers, and land stewards from coast to coast that organized to bring formal recognition to BIPOC voices within the National Farmers Union. This mission was realized, in part, at the 2021 NFU Annual Convention with the passing of a constitutional amendment creating the Caucus.
The creation of the BIPOC Caucus established:
- two positions for BIPOC farmers on the NFU Board of Directors: the Caucus President and Vice President;
- at least one seat on the National Executive Board of Directors,and;
- at least one seat on each of the NFU’s eight Regional Boards.
With this, we guarantee that BIPOC farmer and farm workers’ voices are centered and represented nationally and regionally.
Our vision
The BIPOC Caucus envisions a future with a well supported network of farmers, growers and eaters who are Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour. The Caucus aims to identify, diminish and ultimately eliminate the barriers preventing racialized farmers from accessing land, capital, and knowledge, and growing sustainable farm operations. As we prioritize and practice decolonial approaches to farming, land stewardship, and relationships to land and each other, we believe that together we can build an equitable food and farming system for everyone.
Working Towards Change
Relationship building, knowledge sharing, and political organizing took place over a series of nationally and locally organized BIPOC gatherings nationwide from 2022-2023.
Participants appreciated the workshops for providing practical agronomics training and opportunity to connect genuinely with a community of BIPOC growers and aspiring land stewards. Recognizing the need for technical training led by BIPOC producers for BIPOC producers, the caucus initiated events across the country, including hands-on workshops in Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and British Columbia. These gatherings empowered farmer-organizers and sparked lifelong friendships while offering space to dig into challenges, lived experiences, successes, and other connections over food. Through these initiatives, the BIPOC Caucus is nurturing community, new NFU membership, and expertise nationwide.
As a fairly new caucus, we continue to focus on relational work through storytelling events, care package initiatives, and gatherings to know each other deeply, while simultaneously working towards breaking down the barriers experienced by members of the caucus through initiatives like our Learning Fund where we launched accessible small grants to support members’ access to knowledge building.
BIPOC Events
The NFU BIPOC Caucus meets monthly online via zoom to connect and strategize with BIPOC farmers, farm workers, and land steward from across the country. On top of our regular monthly meetings, we aim to facilitate and organize locally-led and gatherings.
Check the NFU events calendar to find BIPOC caucus events near you or get involved in the Caucus to learn, participate, and plan future events!
Interested in getting involved?
Membership criteria
To be a part of the NFU BIPOC Caucus, you must be BIPOC, and we encourage you to be an NFU member, if you are not already.
Ways to participate
BIPOC farmers, farm workers, and land stewards can subscribe to the BIPOC Caucus google group to receive all news from the caucus, and invitations for involvement. You are encouraged to participate in monthly meetings, and contribute to leading our collective work, as capacity allows. Contact claireperttula@gmail.com to get in touch.
