USC Canada

Dust From Our Eyes

USC Canada Board Member Joan Baxter’s latest book, Dust from Our Eyes, draws on more than two decades of living in and reporting from Africa to reveal that there is more to the continent than poverty and suffering, and far more to Western involvement than benevolent charity. Watch this short interview with the author about the book and her take on the work being done by USC Canada.

Land Grab puts Small Farmers at Risk

Rich governments and corporations are triggering alarms for the poor as they buy up the rights to millions of hectares of agricultural land in developing countries in an effort to secure their own long-term food supplies. In a recent article for The Guardian, Julian Borger explains how poor states are producing food for the rich at the expense of their own hungry people. Read the full article here

Organic Farming ‘could feed Africa’

A new study from the United Nations suggests organic farming practices are delivering sharp increases in yields, improvements in the soil, and a boost in income for Africa’s small farmers. Read Daniel Howden’s report in The Independent about how traditional farming practices are helping break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition Africa has been locked in for decades.

Hijacked Future

Hijacked Future is a new film that looks at the efforts of small farmers to maintain autonomy and sovereignty over their seeds and livelihoods. USC has copies available ($20, plus $5 S&H). Please contact us if you want to buy a copy. Watch the trailer

Resolutions for the New Year

Eat Right: Support the world’s farmers who grow healthy food, and a food system that works for people everywhere.

Lose Weight: Walk lightly on the earth. Supporting organic and local food production, both in Canada and around the world, helps reduce the harmful impacts of industrial agriculture on the planet.

Quit Smoking: Support energy solutions that put less carbon in the air and help combat climate change.

Get Active:Join the movement to protect farmers’ right to define their own food and agriculture systems.

Give More: Help us make these resolutions a reality. We can’t do this without you!

Do you own BCE shares?

Latest news: the pending buyout of Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) has fallen through. If, however, you own BCE shares (or other publicly traded securities) that have increased in value since acquiring them, you may still be able to save on capital gains taxes by transferring your shares directly to a charity.