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By Ashley Symons, Marketing Writer, and Equal Exchange Staff
Agroecology. Food sovereignty. Food systems. This might not be everyday vocabulary, but these concepts relate to some very basic questions regarding our everyday food choices: Where does food come from? Who owns it? How is it produced? What affect does food production have on the earth?
This year, the Equal Exchange Annual Staff Retreat focused on these very questions. In July, we ventured to Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., where we learned from experts on agroecology, food sovereignty, and the structuring of the organic food system. Most importantly, we had some engaging conversations about what this all means for us in our daily work at Equal Exchange, and what it means for us as consumers.
Here’s a quick run-down:
AGROECOLOGY: the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design, development, and management of sustainable agricultural systems.
FOOD SOVEREIGNTY: the right of people to define their own food, agriculture, livestock and fisheries systems, in contrast to having food largely subject to international market forces.
FOOD SYSTEM: All of the steps required to produce food and get it to our plates – from farming and processing to distribution and consumption.
We're talking about these topics because we're working to build a food system that delivers delicious and safe foods, in a way that benefits the farmers and doesn't harm the earth. We believe that together we can push the food system toward a more just and sustainable model – and that, for us, is what this Big Change thing is all about.
Here are some of the conversations we're having in reaction to the retreat topics: 
"Although I was aware of the consolidation of the organic food industry, I was unaware of the role that venture capitalists are playing. Phil Howard has charted the progress of this consolidation in real terms that has been instrumental in raising consumer awareness about the food products they are buying. Now other players are coming to light, making this shadowy process more transparent. This helps people to make informed choices and exercise their buying power."
-Nicole Vitello, Natural Food Sales Representative
"I found the concept of food sovereignty a real awakening. It's a whole new approach to looking at the whole process of growing and distributing food."
-David Bates, Finance Manager
"Years ago when we decided we wanted all the food to be organic and we wanted all the farmers to be paid fairly, I think we didn't realize that would mean converting the likes of Heinz and Coca-cola. Although the mega corporations all now have their fingers in the organic and Fair Trade business, they're far from embracing the concept that food is for eating, not for exploiting. The conversion is slower and more complex than we thought it would be."
-Roxanne Magnuson, West Sales Representative
"One big issue that was discussed at the retreat was the current certification system in Fair Trade and whether the current label is more advantageous or harmful to the future of the Fair Trade movement. Ernesto Mendez informed us that agroecologists are seeking to create a new certification label in international trade that will raise the bar that Fair Trade is meant to be, while also attempting to include the virtues of other labels such as the Rainforest Alliance, bird-friendly, direct trade, and organic. However, we all know that creating another label is daunting because we don’t know if there is really room for another; especially in the label-saturated coffee market. Since the retreat I have started to think more about this issue, whether we need a new label, and what it would take for it to succeed."
-Andrew Kessel, Natural Foods Sales Representative
"We, at Equal Exchange, are determined to contribute to the monumental momentum needed for the food sovereignty movement and change our current industrialized food system!"
-Suzanne Keleher, Interfaith Program Customer Service Representative
"Rather than leave me with a feeling of gloom and doom, the presenters expressed that if we work together, our food system CAN be reclaimed and rejuvenated. The fact that stakeholders will need to go above and beyond purchasing Fair Trade products by supporting such efforts being lead by Equal Exchange - such as helping to fund eco projects that fight climate change and taking political action that reshapes government food policies and corporate control of agriculture - is exciting, especially knowing that we at Equal Exchange will play a leadership role in the food and farming revolution."
-Brian Crouth, National Demo Program Manager
"It was great to hear people outside of our Equal Exchange family talking about the issues and values we all share. Learning about ecological agriculture was amazing!"
-Rafael Aviles, West Sales Representative
Join the conversation on our blog at www.SmallFarmersBigChange.coop
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