Dig In 2.0 (Atlantic Canada Food Systems Summit)

The Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC) is excited to host the second iteration of Dig In Atlantic Canada Food Systems Summit! Dig In 2.0 Atlantic Canada Food Systems Summit will take place November 22-24th, 2024 on Epekwitk - Prince Edward Island.

In November 2022, Dig In 1 gathered 200+ food systems-focused individuals and organizations from across Atlantic Canada in Debert, Nova Scotia for a first-of-its-kind (in the region), food-systems summit. After an inspiring first event, we look forward to spreading the love for local food systems across the region, with Dig In 2.0 being held at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.

Building on lessons from Dig In 1, the theme of Dig In 2.0 shifts from education and awareness towards building collaboration and solidarity among food systems actors across Atlantic Canada. We believe in-person gatherings are invaluable in an effort to build on existing relationships, foster new collaborations, and spend time learning from each other’s successes and challenges to create stronger, more resilient food systems across the region.

Dig In 2.0 Objectives:

• Foster collaboration and the strengthening of partnerships (new and existing) among food systems actors across Atlantic Canada
• Engage food systems actors to enhance equity, resilience, and sustainability by enacting alternative models of food systems
• Amplify, scale, replicate, or leverage the work of existing food-systems projects and organizations

Food systems stakeholders from all four provinces from various sectors including farmers, fishers, processors, distributors, retailers, policymakers, nonprofits, community groups, government representatives, individuals, etc. will engage in discussions to learn about one another’s successes and challenges with a goal of breaking down silos to build stronger networks of support and cooperation. By sharing knowledge and resources, the summit seeks to foster the continued creation of more resilient and interconnected food systems that can better withstand economic, environmental, and social changes & challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, fostering a sense of community & mutual support.

Affinity Groups

Central to the programming of Dig In 2.0 are Affinity Groups. 12 predetermined organizations (and their representative) will lead small group discussions that explore the structure/process of their respective organization types (e.g. food hubs) and/or a challenge they’re experiencing to receive collaborative support from the group towards a solution. Affinity Groups will represent a wide range of food systems stakeholders ranging from farmers to food policy councils, to food hubs, to institutional procurement, and more.

Prior to the affinity groups, Dig In attendees will ‘taste test’ the 12 Affinity Group organizations to determine which two sessions they would like to attend on Saturday afternoon from 2:00-3:30pm and from 4:00-5:30pm.
*Space at Dig In 2.0 is limited! Please register as early as possible to confirm your seat

*To ensure there is a wide range of folks at Dig In 2.0, registration is limited to two people per organization

If you would like to attend Dig In 2.0, but are facing barriers to doing so, please reach out to Liv at [email protected].

More details to come!

Host or Publisher Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC)