North–South Agroecology Forum 2027
North–South Agroecology Forum 2027
Advancing Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Food Systems
📅 Date: 13–14 May 2027
📍 Location: Toronto, Canada
About the Forum
The North–South Agroecology Forum 2027 is an interdisciplinary platform designed to connect agricultural research, community food systems, and policy dialogue. The forum focuses on strengthening inclusive, climate-resilient, and culturally responsive food systems in Canada.
With growing demand for diverse and culturally significant foods, agroecology offers a pathway to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science. This forum will foster collaboration between stakeholders from the Global North and South to enhance crop diversity, sustainability, and food security.
Objectives
Overall Objective
To explore collaborative strategies for integrating North–South agroecological knowledge and crop diversity to strengthen inclusive and climate-resilient food systems in Canada.
Specific Objectives
- Promote dialogue on agroecological crop diversification
- Explore adaptation of culturally important crops in Ontario
- Strengthen collaboration in crop genetics and seed systems
- Support immigrant farmers and food entrepreneurs
- Build linkages among researchers, farmers, and policymakers
Focus Crop Categories
- Vegetables: okra, bitter gourd, eggplant, chili, pumpkin, etc.
- Roots & Tubers: ginger, turmeric, sweet potato, taro
- Leafy Vegetables: amaranth, moringa, Indian spinach
- Pulses & Grains: mung bean, pigeon pea, millets, rice
- Specialty Crops: quinoa, chia, cumin, sesame
Conference Structure
- Day 1: Technical sessions, keynote talks, and policy discussions
- Day 2: Field visits, demonstrations, and farmer engagement
Detailed Agenda
Day 1 – 13 May 2027
08:30 – 09:30
Registration and networking
09:30 – 10:00
Opening remarks and welcome
10:00 – 10:40
Keynote: North–South agroecological cooperation and future food systems
10:40 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:30
Session I: Climate-adapted crop diversification
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 15:00
Session II: Culturally responsive agriculture
15:00 – 15:20
Break
15:20 – 16:40
Session III: Seed systems and participatory breeding
16:40 – 17:30
Panel: Inclusive agri-food systems and policy priorities
17:30 – 18:30
Networking reception
Day 2 – 14 May 2027
Field Visit and Demonstration
08:30 – 09:00
Travel to site
09:00 – 10:30
Field demonstration: crop trials and agroecology practices
10:30 – 11:30
Seed systems discussion
11:30 – 12:30
Farmer–researcher interaction
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 15:00
Value-added processing and market opportunities
15:00 – 16:00
Roundtable: future collaboration
16:00 – 16:30
Closing session
Expected Outcomes
- Establishment of a North–South collaboration network
- Strategies for crop diversification in Ontario
- Increased awareness of culturally responsive agriculture
- New opportunities for agri-food entrepreneurship
- Foundation for future research and partnerships
- Pre-registration is strongly encouraged
Registration Approach
The forum will adopt a hybrid registration model, combining open registration with invitation-based participation.
Categories of Participants
- Invited participants: keynote speakers, panelists, policymakers, partner institutions
- Open registration participants: researchers, students, farmers, NGOs, entrepreneurs, and interested stakeholders
Registration Timeline
- Registration opens: Ongoing
- Early registration deadline: 15 January 2027
- Final registration deadline: 02 April 2027
Selection & Confirmation
- Open registration may be:
- Automatically confirmed (if space allows), or
- Reviewed/approved for balance across sectors
- Participants will receive:
- Confirmation email
- Event details and logistics
- Invitation letter (if required for visa purposes)
On-site Registration
- Limited on-site registration desk available (subject to capacity)
- Pre-registration is strongly encouraged