Food Sovereignty Convergence 2026

The Agroecology & Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) is excited to bring our annual Food Sovereignty Convergence to Victoria from 10–12 October 2026 under our brand new name!

Convergence is AFSA’s annual gathering for farmers, First Peoples, food producers, workers, eaters, researchers, chefs, organisers and allies. Since 2015, it has been a space to share knowledge, build solidarity, build collective action and shape AFSA’s priorities for the year ahead.

We are meeting at a time of growing threats, from the rise of neo- and technofascism, militarism and geopolitical instability to the growing demand for energy, land and water driven by urban sprawl and data centres. But there are also good things happening. Victoria has become the first Australian state to sign a treaty with First Nations peoples, a significant step towards First Peoples’ self-determination, social change and human rights. AFSA and the First Peoples Focal Group are proud to support the Victorian Treaty process and draw on the Yoorrook Commission’s recommendations in our work.

This year, we’re gathering at Jonai Farms & Meatsmith, the home of Australia’s first collectivised on farm micro-abattoir. A prime example of collectivising infrastructure: the project brings people, resources and labour together for the benefit of the wider community, rather than placing individual interest first. It is the result of a lot of hard work by the Jonai family and friends alongside an eight-year campaign led by AFSA and our allies. Together, we helped secure Victorian reforms allowing micro-abattoirs to be built on farms without a planning permit. Our National Abattoir Campaign is now continuing this work in NSW and Queensland.

2026 is a big year for AFSA. We farewelled Jess and welcomed former National Committee member Antoine as General Coordinator. We strengthened our communications and legal support, and appointed a First Peoples Coordinator to support the First Peoples Focal Group. In our commitment to building intersectional solidarity, we are deepening relationships with allies across food, labour, health, water, manufacturing, climate and community organising. We have made significant progress on the Agroecology Land Trust and are preparing a new book based on the Peoples Food Plan. We joined a national campaign against corporate control of the National Food Council, and just started researching the infrastructure needed for agroecology in Victoria. Just recently, we were so proud to hear that our Focal Point for Farmers Tammi Jonas will join the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food systems (IPES-Food), go Tammi! These are exciting times for AFSA, there is still a great deal to do, but we know we are not alone.

Now is the time to come together and think strategically.

• How can we build alliances strong and coordinated enough to shift the balance of power?

• How can we communicate and organise effectively in the age of AI and expanding data centres?

• How can local action connect with national and international struggles?

• How can we support one another while challenging the ongoing effects of colonialism?

If you ever asked yourself these questions, Convergence is the place to explore them, make plans and build the relationships needed for action.

AFSA exists to support farmers, First Peoples, food producers, workers, eaters and allies as they tackle the challenges of producing ethical, ecologically sound, and socially just food in a world where corporate control is increasing. We believe that community, collaboration, mutual aid, shared learning and equality are essential to challenging and dismantling the power structures that hold us back.

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.

Food sovereignty is not aligned with the sovereign citizenship belief.

Why coming to Convergence?

Wherever you are, if you simply enjoy cooking for your loved ones, if you care about people, life, water, Country…

IF YOU EAT, FOOD SOVEREIGNTY CONCERNS YOU.

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. Join the movement for local, regenerative and community-run food systems, share your ideas and connect with like-minded people.

Let’s build a future where everyone has the right to healthy, ethically produced food – together. See you at Convergence 2026!

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

• Time: 5:00pm-bed time

• Cost:

  • First Peoples: Free

  • General: $15 (to support the farm if you are coming for dinner)

Diner at Jonai: A hearty, uncommonly delicious dinner will be provided by Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths and Tumpinyeri Growers. If you have specific dietary requirements, we recommend cooking something that meets these needs, and can be shared with others.

We’ll kick off Convergence with an opening event which will delve into AFSA’s National Abattoir Campaign and a chat about collectivising the means of production, followed by a dinner where you can catch up with old friends, and meet new faces.

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

• Cost:

  • First Peoples: Free

  • AFSA Members: -50% General ticket (send us an email for the discount code)

  • Non-Member (General admission) s: $50

  • Solidarity: $100

  • Student/Un/Underwaged: $25

Sunday October 11: Convergence Day 1

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 building intersectional solidarity and collectivising infrastructure:

• Building strong and coordinated movements to shift the balance of power

• First Peoples First: strategy and action for decolonising food systems

• Communicating and organising effectively for the movement, a unified voice but a diversity of actions

• Collectivising the means of production

• Connect local with national and international struggles

Breakfast is self-organised. 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 12: 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 2027, 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.

Breakfast is self-organised. Tea, coffee and morning tea will be provided. We will have a light lunch of leftovers from potluck meals before heading home. 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! Don't forget to bring your favourite seeds and seedlings to swap!

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, so please let us know when purchasing your tickets.

If you miss out or would rather sleep offsite, please get in touch to hear about nearby alternatives.

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 acknowledgment of their ongoing sovereignty.