Food systems globally are facing severe and wide-ranging challenges, from climate change and loss of soil quality and biodiversity to consolidation of transnational corporate control, rising inequality and food insecurity. Cuba, within the current geopolitical context, would appear to be at the extreme edge of the food system crisis. Yet with very limited resources, farmers there are innovating in ecological food production that is contributing to national food security and food sovereignty.

In this presentation, Mary Beckie will share insights from a recent agricultural tour of central Cuba. She will begin with a brief historical overview of the evolution of Cuban agriculture, from pre-colonial and colonial times through the influence of American and Soviet imperialism, to help explain the motivations and direction of change.

Speaker Bio
Mary A. Beckie is a professor in the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. She researches and advocates for the development of more localized food systems as part of the pathway towards food sovereignty, food security and community resilience. She has conducted research in Western Canada, Cuba, Sri Lanka, India, the UK and western Europe. Grounded in the scholarship of engagement, Dr. Beckie supports and collaboratively contributes to innovative food system initiatives happening across non-profit, private and public sectors. 

Join us to explore what Cuba’s agricultural experience can teach us about the challenges and opportunities of transforming food systems in Canada and beyond.

To register click here.