Demand for organic food in Canada continues to rise, with 74% of Albertan consumers making weekly organic purchases. However, a batch of new and aspiring young farmers are setting their sights beyond organic agriculture and export markets.

Using agroecology, permaculture and other ecological practices, Alberta’s Young Agrarians are part of an international movement concerned with equity, food sovereignty and ecological sustainability.

Mary A. Beckie grew up on a mixed farm in south-central Saskatchewan, where her passion for farming, rural communities and local food was nurtured. Her research on alternative agri-food systems spans Europe, western Canada, Southeast Asia and Cuba. She is Professor in the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.

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Winter 2020 Sustainability Lectures

The Sustainability Council presents an ongoing lecture series exploring local expertise and global innovation across all fields of sustainability. Meet scholars from the University of Alberta and beyond in fields ranging from engineering to ecology, public health to poetry, native studies to nanotechnology.

Our speakers share new perspectives, and explore the diversity of issues encompassed by sustainability. Please join us and help expand the campus dialogue on sustainability issues including: climate change, biodiversity, renewable energy, inequality and food security.