Release Date: May 29, 2022
In this second episode,
we’re talking about the corporatization and financialization of agriculture with Cathy Holtslander, National Farmers Union Director of Research and Policy. This episode gives us a historical account of market power in Canadian agriculture and shows how policy from the top down has enabled corporate consolidation. Cathy details what the impact has been on farmers, and what we can do about it. We are reminded that our ultimate goal of food sovereignty is in direct conflict with corporate agriculture.
To learn more about Cathy’s work, check out the following links.
- National Farmers Union
- Food Sovereignty | National Farmers Union
- Policy matters | National Farmers Union
- Catherine Holts (@catholts) / Twitter
- NationalFarmersUnion (@NFUcanada) / Twitter
As always, a huge thank you to the National Farmers Foundation (NFF)
Cast
Cathy Holtslander — Guest
In addition to working as the Director of Research and Policy for the NFU, Cathy Operates an organic grain farm with her partner in Saskatchewan and has been advocating for sustainable and just farm policy since the early 1990s.
Stuart Oke — Co-Host
Stuart is a young farmer from Eastern Ontario who, alongside his partner Nikki, owns and operates Rooted Oak Farm, a 12 acre organic vegetable and cut flower farm. After years of renting land Rooted Oak has recently relocated to Eastern Ontario, and the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudensaunee and Oneida Peoples. In addition to loving food and taking pride in growing food that sustains people, the farm was founded on the idea that farming is a political act, one capable of creating great change. Stuart is the former Youth President for the National Farmers Union and current Vice President for Canadian Organic Growers. He also serves on the Policy and Government Relations Working Group for the National Farmer Coalition Farmers for Climate Solutions.
www.rootedoak.ca @rootedoakfarm