Building on sessions at the 2023 BC Organic Conference that focused on necessary conditions for intersectional farm communities to thrive, this two-part series will explore the concept and practice of solidarity.Each session stands alone, yet are inter-connected if people can attend both.

What is solidarity and how does it relate to food systems? This session will focus on the concept of solidarity—in short, the practice of being “in it” together— as a powerful mode for affecting systemic change. We will explore necessary ingredients for solidarity, examples of solidarity from the NFU, and what interferes with solidarity. Breakout conversations will provide space to discuss experiences of solidarity, either from one’s own life or something that was witnessed.

We aim to provide a nourishing experience of recognition, that organic farmers are up against a lot in their important work of feeding people and tending the earth, the invitation to consider their challenges within the frame of solidarity is about how it can lend them strength as much as it is about what they can offer to a collective effort. From both sessions, folks can expect to come away with a deeper understanding of solidarity and a sense of possibilities for ways to be in solidarity.