October 7 & 9 – Diverse Economies of Agroecology
Class Content
In this class, we will revisit food systems and ecological cycles before introducing diverse economies frameworks. Drawing on Aristotle, Karl Polanyi, and Gibson-Graham, we will explore different ways of organizing economic activities beyond conventional markets.
We will examine market, non-market, and alternative market approaches to urban agriculture, using examples from Montreal community food organizations. We will also discuss the benefits, challenges, and contradictions of these approaches and identify diverse economic food practices in our own communities.
Supplemental Resources
These optional resources are included for anyone interested in exploring the topics from class in more depth.
Presentations
Class Schedule
1. Introduction and Check-In
– Welcome and overview of the class
2. Recap of Food Systems and Cycles
– Ecological cycles and relationships
– Polycultures and ecological garden design
3. Diverse Economies Frameworks
– What is an economy?
– Aristotle, Karl Polanyi, and Gibson-Graham
– Market and non-market economic practices
4. Examples of Diverse Economies
– Different types of urban agriculture organizations
– Market, non-market, and alternative market practices
– Examples of community food organizations in Montreal
5. Discussion: Diverse Economies in My Community
In small groups, discuss:
What diverse economic food practices exist in your community?
How do people produce, distribute, and share food outside conventional markets?
What benefits, challenges, and contradictions arise from these practices?
How could communities organize their food systems differently?