A Rocha contributed to the “Germinating Conversations” project in Manitoba this past year. Focused on food justice, stewardship of the land, and bridging the rural-urban divide, two “Listening Events” drew both growers and eaters to a common table to listen to one another and explore hard questions. Larry Danielson, A Rocha’s representative for this project, writes, “Our goal has been to understand better issues of food justice and land stewardship in both their rural and urban contexts.”

“Food, Faith, Farming and the Land” (March 2012) focused on the challenges and joys of food growers and how faith relates to their ventures.

“Food, Faith, Eating and the City” (Oct. 2012) explored issues related to eating, such as knowing where one’s food comes from and the affordability of “just” food.
While listening continues to be vital to the process, the Conversation is now becoming a dialogue. A small-scale event, will be hosted in April at A Rocha’s interpretive centre in the scenic Pembina Valley, bringing together the four partnering planners (A Rocha, CMU, MCC, and Food Matters) and presenters from the previous “Listening Events.” This facilitated dialogue will reflect on experiences from the first two events, focused on several emergent themes, and consider ways to go forward with this important Conversation.