Organizing for food sovereignty in Manitoba: small scale farmers, communities of resistance, and the local food movement

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Date
2019-08
Authors
Sivilay, Jeanette
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Abstract
Over the past decade, a number of high profile incidents affecting small scale farmers in Manitoba have given rise to vibrant communities of resistance. These communities are developing alternative ways of thinking about and engaging with food and agriculture in the province for food systems transformation. Based on empirical research involving 18 interviews with urban-based activists and farmers, and one focus group, this study examines these catalytic moments and the conditions under which they form to better understand whether and how they contribute to the creation of an emerging food sovereignty movement in Manitoba. I argue that although not all initiatives were successful in achieving stated goals, they did have positive political and social impacts, mainly through the building of community and development of collective voice. Despite the diversity found within the local food movement, and a tense relationship between decision-makers and small scale farmers, these communities of resistance leveraged opportunities for change and captured the attention of regulators to advance the local food community in Manitoba. In doing so, they are creating the conditions within which the radical discourse and practice of food sovereignty is beginning to emerge.
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Food sovereignty, Manitoba, Small scale farmers, Local food movement
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