This community-based research project investigates alternative models for Canada’s prison farms. In partnership with Evolve Our Prison Farms, we explore opportunities to use farm and garden-based activities within federal prisons to advance prisoner justice, food justice and animal rights.
In 2010 Canada’s 6 prison farms were closed. Following a multi-year campaign by prison farm advocates, the federal government committed to re-opening two of the prison farms. However the new proposed model (an industrial goat milking operation for outside sale and possible export) has led many to question the values and objectives underpinning this approach, and what, if any, benefits there will be. In response, this research will identify and evaluate different models that could replace the current goal-milk operation.