The Rural Voice, 2019-05, Page 8National Farmers Union – Ontario NEWSLETTER
Strong Communities.
Sound Policies.
Sustainable Farms.
Phone: 1-888-832-9638
E-mail: office@nfuontario.ca
Website: www.nfuontario.ca
Young farmers gather to address the future of farming
4 The Rural Voice
More than 60 young farmers from
across Canada came together March
4-7 outside Parham, Ontario at RKY
camp for an intensive 3-day long
young farmer convergence. The event
organized and hosted by the National
Farmers Union was filled with
thoughtful conversation on a range of
important topics affecting young
farmers now and in the future. The
dynamic event sandwiched young
farmers wall-to-wall in the dining hall
of the camp and created an inspiring
and motivating experience which
emphasized the importance of peer-to-
peer sharing and used the collective
knowledge of the participants to help
create a truly meaningful experience.
One young farmer said:
“One thing I took away from the
convergence actually came out of
attending one of the impromptu break-
out sessions on mental health in
farming. I learned about the issues
facing farmers with regards to mental
health and some ways young farmers
are coping with the long hours and
stress of farming. As someone new to
farming, but coming from a high-
stress and mentally exhausting work
environment, I was able to relate and
take away strategies others are using
to maintain good mental health
throughout the season.”
The event touched on important
topics such as how to farm in light of
climate change, how to build a food
system which supports farmers, and
how to stand in solidarity with
Indigenous peoples. Participants left
having made meaningful connections
with each other, making pledges on
how they can use their farm to fight
climate change, and with the
knowledge that collective action and
cooperation amongst farmers can lead
to meaningful changes in our
communities and on eaters’ plates.
Organizers with the National
Farmers Union brought the group of
young farmers together to help build
connections between young people
across the country and develop skills
in organizing and production for the
next generation of farmers. One young
farmer at the event succinctly
illustrated this goal, saying:
“Farming can be an isolating
career, especially during the peak
season when there may be little time
to socialize and interact with others at
the same experience level. Events
outside of the core season, such as
this convergence and other
conferences, workshops, and retreats,
are highly important to help young
farmers integrate into the greater
community and interact with other
young farmers to gain a sense of
solidarity. I left feeling that I had
made connections with a number of
folks and expect to maintain these
newfound friendships throughout my
farming career.”
A big thanks to all those farmers
and eaters that donated to the
crowdfunding campaign that helped
support the event and to the
Ecological Farmers Association of
Ontario for their assistance.
Renfrew County Local 330 – Next
meeting is Monday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. at the
Barr Line Community Centre. Everyone is
welcome.
Local 362 Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry,
Ottawa, Prescott-Russell – Guest
Speaker Christopher Kelly-Bisson will
share his findings on farmland
consolidation by financial entities in
Eastern Ontario during the May 9 meeting
at 7:00 p.m. at the Riverbend Restaurant
3256 River Rd, Manotick. All are welcome.
Local 351 Brant, Hamilton, Halton will
host four major events through our local
this year: Skill Share - June 29 at Manorun
Farm (782 Highway 52, Copetown ON);
BBQ – Summer 2019, Location TBA; Film
Night – Fall 2019, Location TBA; and AGM
- Date and Location TBA. We hope to see
you there.
Coming Events
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