Please join for the first SEDRD Speaker Series on September 26 featuring Sara Epp presenting research titled "Food Security and Sustainability in Northern Ontario: Examining the Impacts of Old Order Mennonites”. A brief description of the presentation is listed below: 

Agriculture within Ontario is in a state of transition as land prices increase, profits decrease and farms become consolidated. As a result, many new farmers are unable to enter the industry and are seeking alternate locations suitable for agriculture. Northern Ontario, with an abundance of productive, less expensive land, has proven to be an opportune location for many farmers. Over the past fifteen years, a significant movement of Anabaptist farmers to northern Ontario has occurred. These farmers have increased access to local food, broadened the productive spectrum of crops and improved food security for many communities. Their economic and social impacts on northern communities has been significant, as has their impact on the broader farm community. Utilizing traditional agrarian practices with limited modern technology, Anabaptist farmers, in particular Old Order Mennonites, have significantly broadened the agricultural landscape and challenged prevailing stereotypes of agricultural viability in the north. As the potential movement of more Anabaptist farmers to northern Ontario is likely, it is important to understand their motivations to farm in the north and their role in creating a sustainable and secure food system in remote areas. This presentation will explore the impact of Old Order Mennonite farmers on food security and sustainability in three northern communities.  

All are welcome to attend. Feel free to bring your lunch.