“Germinating Conversations,” an A Rocha project designed to facilitate dialogue around farming practices in Manitoba made the front page of the Canadian Mennonite. This publication goes to 230 churches and some 30,000 subscribers.

http://www.canadianmennonite.org/articles/germinating-conversations

A Rocha Prairie Canada, working closely with Mennonite Central Committee MB (Peace section) and Canadian Mennonite University, designed the “conversations” to accommodate a wide array of farming “stakeholders” as they seek to articulate a “land ethic” as it relates to agricultural practices and to our practices as food consumers. The diversity of perspectives on farming that were presented (with much passion and conviction!) provided at least a small step toward bridging the rural-urban divide. The turnout was large and the tone respectful throughout. Laura Rance, a much respected agricultural journalist and editor of the MB Co-operator, provided the closing comments, masterfully bridging some of the sharp differences expressed by our speakers.

Locally, the discussion continues among the presenters and those who attended. Our planning committee also is looking ahead to the second event, which will be held on the C.M.U. campus in the fall and will focus on issues relating to food consumers and urban food growers.

We go forward with much excitement about the project!