Racism in agriculture: a necessary conversation

It is so often easier to sit back and turn a blind eye to things going on around you that make you uncomfortable, sad, or distressed. Much easier to say ‘that’s not my issue’ or ‘not my problem to solve’ or even ‘I’m so glad things aren’t like that in Canada’ than it is to speak up or take action. But just as we try to teach our children in grade school, being a passive bystander is just as harmful as being the bully. 

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
— Desmond Tutu

So as we struggle with the reality of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of police in Minneapolis, many of us working in the Canadian agriculture sector may find ourselves saying things like the phrases above; ‘that’s not our issue’ or ‘things like that don’t happen here’ or ‘someone else should work on racism if it is a problem, we have our own issues’, and the list of ways to wiggle out of uncomfortable conversations could go on and on. 

But here’s the thing, racism does exist in Canada, and white privilege definitely exists in Canada and in the agriculture sector. I feel I can say this based on my own observations as a white woman with ridiculous amounts of privilege who works in this sector. I have witnessed racism first hand through my work and am embarrassed to admit that when I have seen it, I have not spoken up nearly enough or with any level of conviction. The events of the past week have forced me to pause and ask myself why I have let comments and examples of racism slide in the past. Is it easier to stay silent in order to fit in? Of course it is, and that’s exactly where the problem is – if we’re staying silent about calling out racism in order to ‘fit in’ and not rock the boat, nothing will ever improve or change.

So how do we start to change the conversation? First we start by listening. Then learning. Then action that make sense for our individual contexts. Let’s make sure we have this conversation in the context of Canadian agriculture, it’s time and it’s necessary.

Black Canadians have a long history of working in and building the agricultural industry that persists today, despite decades of systemic oppression. Food is a part of everyone’s life but the agricultural industry does not always reflect this.

FACTS*

Visible minorities make up 22.3% of the Canadian Population. 

Yet, visible minorities make up just 8.6% of people employed in the natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations.

And Black Canadians make up just 1.3% of Canada’s workforce in natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations.

Table.png

Percentage of total workforce in

natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations.

 

* Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-400-X2016192. Retrieved from: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/dt-td/Rp-eng.cfm

  • the data in this source does not include the number of temporary foreign workers hired by Canadian producers each year.

Cover photo: frankie cordoba on Unsplash

Bronwynne Wiltonagriculture, black lives matter, anti-racism, equity, diversity