2024 Speakers

In 1985, a group of American musicians led by Harry Belafonte decided to create a benefit concert for African famine relief. “We are the world” was born. Today, at a time when the “green revolution” approach to agriculture is faltering, we need new inspiration and a new pathway. Who can offer hope at a time when the world is sorting out the challenges of food and nutritional security, the need for new job and livelihood opportunities, and rapid climate change? The organic agriculture movement in Canada and around the world has been critical to the development of practical solutions to these challenges. Sure, organic farm yields may not yet be at the levels of conventional production. But we are gaining ground quickly, and the organic philosophy helps curb our society’s wasteful mentality. Furthermore, the role of organic agriculture in regenerative farm education has been huge. It was organic farmers who developed and fine-tuned practices such as cover crops, intercrops and novel crop-livestock integration – practices that lead to healthy plant and animal derived foods that are produced based on nature’s wisdom. The approach used in the organic sector has also contributed to social equality and an expanded role of women and minorities in agriculture. By offering the bold title “We are the world”, we honour the pioneering spirit of men and women involved in the organic agricultural movement – a spirit that is needed for reconciliation with all people and the planet.