In the heart of Canada’s vast landscapes, a unique alliance is sprouting, aiming to cultivate a more sustainable and just future for agriculture and food systems. The Common Ground Canada Network (CGCN), a novel partnership of researchers, community organizations, Indigenous leaders, farmers, policymakers, and civil society groups, is working collaboratively to transform Canada’s agriculture sector in the face of climate change.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on technological solutions, CGCN recognizes that climate change is deeply intertwined with human relationships—between people and the land, rural and urban communities, and even within food systems themselves. “We’re not just looking at the technical aspects of climate change,” explains lead author Karen Foster, a professor at Dalhousie University. “We’re exploring the social, cultural, and political dimensions that shape our food systems and our responses to climate change.”
The network, which includes 49 academics from 13 institutions and 22 nonprofit organizations, was established through a joint initiative by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Their goal is to foster a net-zero economy by understanding and strengthening the relationships that underpin sustainable agriculture.
The commercial impacts of this research could be substantial. By understanding the social and cultural factors that influence agricultural practices, the network aims to identify strategies that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable. This could lead to new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses to adopt practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability.
Moreover, the network’s focus on relationships could help bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, fostering a more inclusive and resilient food system. “We’re not just about research,” says Foster. “We’re about building relationships and creating change on the ground.”
The research published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development highlights the potential of this approach to shape future developments in the field. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, CGCN is not only advancing our understanding of sustainable agriculture but also paving the way for a more just and equitable food system.
As climate change continues to pose challenges to the agriculture sector, the work of the Common Ground Canada Network offers a promising path forward. By focusing on relationships and collaboration, they are cultivating a future where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.