The CAFS Strategic Planning Committee is pleased to share the Strategic Planning Workshop Brief. The report summarizes discussions and findings from the workshop, From Insight to Action: Advancing Our Shared Food Network Priorities Through Collective Deliberation, held on June 17, 2026, at the Common Ground Food Forum in Orillia, Ontario. Through collaborative mapping and breakout conversations, participants explored current food systems initiatives, identified opportunities for connection and partnership, and reflected on the relationships, tools, and resources needed to strengthen collective action across research, practice, policy, and community settings.
The workshop brought together members of CAFS and allied food systems networks, including researchers, practitioners, activists, farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous rights holders, students, and policy-engaged actors. Participants mapped 91 projects, initiatives, and actions across a Knowledge-to-Action continuum, revealing both the breadth of work already underway and a strong willingness to collaborate, with 84% of projects marked as open to future connection.
Key findings highlight the networks’ strengths in knowledge production, critical inquiry, public education, and convening, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen applied practice, capacity-building infrastructure, and pathways connecting research to policy and collective action. The report offers insights into how CAFS and partner organizations can foster a more connected, collaborative, and action-oriented food systems community.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and expertise to this workshop and look forward to continuing these conversations as we advance shared priorities across Canada’s food systems networks.