AFSA Food Sovereignty Convergence 2025

The Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) is thrilled to bring our annual Food Sovereignty Convergence to Victoria for the first time in a decade! From 18–20 October 2025, we’ll gather on Djaara Country at Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths in Eganstown to connect, debate, and build collective power.

We meet at a critical moment. The Australian Government is preparing to commence work on its Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy, guided by a new National Food Council stacked with powerful voices from across the food system. Will this strategy support food sovereignty – or entrench corporate control? Together, we will sharpen our demands and strengthen our movements to make sure people, not profit, remain at the centre of food policy.

This year’s Convergence also follows close on the heels of the third Nyéléni Global Forum for Food Sovereignty in Sri Lanka, where AFSA farmers, First Peoples and labour organisers will stand alongside more than 600 delegates from movements for food sovereignty, labour, climate justice, environment, solidarity economies, gender diversities, women, and youth. They will bring home fresh strategies and actions from the global frontlines of the struggle for food sovereignty – and Convergence will be our chance to ground that energy in our own communities.

Since its beginnings in 2015, Convergence has been the annual gathering where farmers, First Peoples, right-to-food advocates, researchers, chefs, labour organisers, and community activists come together to strategise and act. It’s where we set AFSA’s agenda for the year ahead, build solidarity across diverse struggles, and renew our commitment to transforming the food system from the ground up.

If you believe in a fair, just, and ecologically sound food system, Convergence is your space.

Come. Bring your voice, your ideas, your solidarity. Help shape the future of food sovereignty in so-called Australia.

What is food sovereignty?

Food sovereignty is the right of communities to choose what they eat and how it is grown, distributed, and governed – ensuring food is nourishing, culturally appropriate, and produced in ways that are ethical and sustainable. The Food Sovereignty Convergence is a democratic space to discuss pathways to achieving this vision for all.

Saturday, October 18: Convergence opening event and potluck dinner 

• Location: Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths (Djaara Country, Eganstown, VIC

• Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm

• Dinner at Jonai: A hearty, uncommonly delicious dinner will be provided by Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths and Tumpinyeri Growers. If you have specific dietary requirements, we kindly ask that you ensure these are covered.

We’ll kick off Convergence with an opening event which will delve into AFSA’s work in the international space, from movement building with La Via Campesina to global governance spaces with the United Nations, followed by a potluck dinner where you can catch up with old friends, and meet new faces. 

Sunday October 19: Convergence Day 1

• Location: Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths (Djaara Country, Eganstown, VIC

• Time: 9:00am-5:30pm 

While topics on the day will be organised in unconference format, where topics are democratically determined by everyone who turns up, this year we are proposing the following (non-exhaustive) themes in keeping with the significance of the Feeding Australia Strategy and the outcomes of the Nyéléni Global Forum. 

• Land and water

• Peoples’ health

• Peoples’ economies

• Democratic participation

• Climate action

• Solidarity - local, national, international

• Decolonial and anti-racist actions 

Tea, coffee and morning tea will be provided. Please bring a dish for potluck lunch and dinner at Jonai Farms! If you have specific dietary requirements, please ensure you bring a dish that covers your needs!

Monday October 20: Convergence Day 2 & AFSA AGM

• Location: Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths (Djaara Country, Eganstown, VIC

• Time: 9:00am-1:00pm 

Convergence Day 2 will wrap up what we discuss in Day 1 of breakout sessions, to come up with AFSA’s action plan for 2026, finding points of convergence for collective action within and amongst other organisations. Following this, we invite members to stay for AFSA’s AGM from 11:00am-12:00pm. 

Tea, coffee and morning tea will be provided. Please bring a dish for potluck lunch at Jonai Farms! If you have specific dietary requirements, please ensure you bring a dish that covers your needs!

Be part of the solution – Get involved before Convergence

Join the conversation early by participating in the FSC Facebook Group where we’ll discuss topics and ideas leading up to the event. This is your chance to ensure that your voice is heard, both before and during the Convergence!

Catering & sustainability

To keep ticket costs low and reduce waste, we’re asking all attendees to help out by contributing to potluck meals. Please bring along a dish (and snacks for tea breaks) to share! And don’t forget your reusable cup, mug, and cutlery to minimise the impact on Djaara Country. 

Do you have special dietary requirements? Bring along your own snacks and meals just in case

Camping & accommodation

All Convergence guests are invited to camp on-site at Jonai Farms, however this is limited to 100 people. 

If you miss out or would rather private accommodation offsite, we’ve got nearby alternatives ready for you.

Support the cause – Contribute to Convergence & Pay the Rent

We’ve kept ticket prices as low as possible to make sure everyone can attend, but if you can, we encourage you to make an additional donation. Your support helps cover event costs and fuels AFSA’s important work advocating for food sovereignty across Australia.

Plus, we’re offering attendees the option to Pay the Rent to the local First Peoples of Dja Dja Wurrung Country as an acknowledgement of their ongoing sovereignty.

Why you should attend Convergence

Convergence is more than just an event – it’s a movement! We need YOUR voice to help shape the future of Australia’s food system. Whether you're a farmer, a food lover, or just passionate about making change, this event is your chance to connect with like-minded people, share your ideas, and contribute to building a better food system for all.

Let’s build a future where everyone has the right to healthy, ethically produced food – together. See you at Convergence 2025!