41st Convention (2010)

December 2nd to 4th, 2010, Saskatoon

The notion that an alternative agricultural and food model must be adopted in order to rescue ourselves from the negative social, economic, and environmental consequences of the current industrial system is gaining broader acceptance in Canadian society with each passing day. 

The National Farmers Union has always been a leader in questioning the status quo and fighting for positive change. In this regard, the present is no different than the past. The NFU is leading the way in exploring, developing, and working towards the establishment of a real alternative.

This year’s convention was an important step in that process. For three days NFU members and guests debated, discussed, and decided what the new agriculture and food model should look like, and how best to work towards its implementation.

Download the 2010 convention pamphlet

Book Launch: Food Sovereignty: Reconnecting Food, Nature and Community

—Annette Desmarais, Nettie Wiebe and Hannah Wittman

Educational/Organizational Workshops

Economics of Alternatives – Économie des alternatives

December 2nd to 4th, 2010, Saskatoon,

Book Launch: Food Sovereignty: Reconnecting Food, Nature and Community

—Annette Desmarais, Nettie Wiebe and Hannah Wittman

Educational/Organizational Workshops

· CETA Campaign

· Raw Milk: Issues & Challenges

Opening Address: NFU President Terry Boehm

Supply Management Panel: Emerging Issues and Challenges

—Barron Blois, Dairy Farmers of Canada

—Ian Cumming, Ontario farmer

—Carroll Wade, National Farmers Org.

—Christie Young, Farm Start Ontario

Public Event: Plowing Through Books: Farming & Reading —Yann Martel, Author – Life of Pi,Beatrice and Virgil, What is StephenHarper Reading? Project

CETA Panel: The Looming Threat to Farmers and All Canadians

—Terry Boehm, NFU President

—Michael McBane, Canadian Health Coalition

—Steven Shrybman, Sack, Goldblatt, Mitchell, LLP

Young Farmers in Canada Panel: Exploring Alternatives

—The Green Ranch: Growing Naturally

—Tourne‐Sol Co‐operative Farm

Beingessner Award Presentation

Film Screening: In Union is Strength – The NFU Story by Don Kossick

International Panel: Alternatives Around the World

—Renwick Rose, Coordinator, WINFA (Windward Islands Farmers Association)

—Hannah Whittman, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Latin American Studies, Simon Fraser University

Address: The Power of Food: An Alternative Approach —Wayne Roberts, Toronto Food Policy Council

Closing Address: National President, Terry Boehm