Calling all new farmers and farm policy nerds! You're invited to the “Breaking Barriers: Growing Future Farmers” National Policy Jam in eastern Ontario this March 15 and 16, 2025. Join us to connect and mobilize around policy action to support new farmers across Canada.
The gathering will be a coast to coast convening of new and young farmers, farmer organizations, farm policy leaders and allies looking to learn, connect and mobilize around better supports for new and young farmers, including access to land, capital, knowledge, and wrap -around supports.
About the Policy Jam
The Policy Jam will be a fun and creative space to build connections, share knowledge, and grow solidarity across the new farmer ecosystem. Discussions will be centered around barriers to entry for new, young and underrepresented farmers, share and gather feedback on draft New Farmer Policy Recommendations, and build capacity by growing the advocacy and policy skills of new farmers and farmer organizations.
Discussions and feedback from the Policy Jam will also help Young Agrarians push for a National New Farmer Framework and advocate for provincial and territorial New Farmer Strategies.
This event is for you, if you are someone who:
- Recently entered agriculture, including farm-curious folks and people who have begun farming as a second career (“new entrants”)
- Identifies as being a young(er) person, between 18-40 years old
- Identifies as a member of an underrepresented group within the broader farming population, including Indigenous, Black and racialized farmers, newcomers to Canada, women and youth.
- Works for/with an organization that provides programs and services to new farmers, and/or advocates on behalf of new farmers
- Organizes around agroecology, food sovereignty, food justice, agricultural succession, and related fields
Policy Jam Event Details
DATES: Saturday- Sunday March 15 – 16, 2025
LOCATION: RKY Camp / Parham, ON (between Ottawa and Kingston) / Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation Territory
COST: Pay what you can. Our suggested contribution is $100-$250 if you are staying overnight at the camp, or $50-$100 if you are sleeping elsewhere.
REGISTER: Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
