Meet Our Speakers - Anelyse Weiler

Name: Anelyse Weiler

Title: Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Victoria

Q: Tell us a bit about your work: what do you do/research/teach/practice? And how does it relate to or involve the governance of food or food systems? 

My research and advocacy are focused on labour and sustainability across the food chain. Given that much of my existing research has centred on equity issues affecting migrant agricultural workers, my work connects closely with labour and immigration governance issues in the food system. I get to teach courses on labour movements and globalization, ecology and society, and qualitative research methods.

Q: What is an ongoing and/or emerging food law and policy issue that you have come across through
your work that you feel is important and/or urgent and why? What is at stake?

I have recently begun a project focused on the rapid emergence of "ag-gag" laws in Canada. Ag-gag laws refer to various types of anti-whistleblower legislation that prevent undercover employees, journalists, and activists from taking photos and videos on farms or in meat processing facilities. It is especially important to pay attention to the role of private industry in pushing for this type of legislation. What's at stake is that ag-gag laws could reduce public and legal accountability for businesses that engage in harmful practices (e.g. animal welfare or environmental violations). Some have also suggested that ag-gag laws could undermine the freedom of the press and erode public trust in agriculture. 

Q: Can you give us a hint of something you will talk about at the conference?

Part of what I'll be discussing involves the predictable preventable outbreaks of COVID-19 among racialized and precarious food chain workers. I'll also be discussing cases in which governments have chosen to prioritize industry interests over workers' well-being during the pandemic.

Q: What are your favourite food projects happening around the world right now, and how have they inspired your work?

The Food Chain Workers Alliance is doing fabulous work in amplifying the struggles of workers in the United States and Canada. They provide critical analyses of cutting-edge issues and concrete ways for everyday people to practice solidarity with worker-led movements for justice: http://www.foodchainworkers.org