Arrell Food Summit 2023
November 14, 2023 – Toronto, ON
Canada’s agri-food system is facing challenges and disruptions which will require us to explore new pathways to change that support a food system which is safe, sustainable and secure. Food security and supply chain disruptions have come into the spotlight with recent world events; the agri-food sector is moving towards sustainability in the face of the climate crisis; new technology offers both solutions and new challenges, and the sector is grappling with how we can break down barriers to entry for equity-deserving groups. At the Arrell Food Summit on November 14, we learned about these issues, highlighted people behind emerging solutions and discussed whether we have the traction needed to provide food for a growing population while protecting the health of people, nature and the planet.
Learn more about the sessions below.
Video Recap of the Summit
Evan Fraser Keynote Opening
A special welcome from Arrell Food Institute’s Director, Evan Fraser. In his presentation he discusses five steps that need to happen to embark on a pathway to change to seize opportunities for innovation in our food system.
“I believe that innovations properly applied can lead us to a pathway for change”
Evan Fraser, Director, Arrell Food Institute
A Panel Discussion with CBC Ideas
Food Security is National Security
Hosted by award-winning reporter Nahlah Ayed from CBC Ideas, this session discussed how food security should be addressed nationally. The panelists included:
- Paul Taylor, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Evenings & Weekends Consulting
- Jennifer Grenz, Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia
- Inbal Becker-Reshef, Program Director, NASA Harvest
- Patrick Webb, Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition, Tufts University
“Our collective lack of understanding of food insecurity is one of the greatest barriers to effectively addressing it.”
Paul Taylor, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Evenings & Weekends Consulting
A Community-Based Approach to Food
Zita Cobb, Co-Founder and CEO of Fogo Island’s Shorefast Foundation shares her insights on community-based approaches to food. In this discussion, she provides examples of how place-based strategies at Fogo Island helped the local economy and community thrive.
“It’s hard to change systems. But we have to work from the ground up and the top down. And that’s why these kinds of gatherings help”
Zita Cobb, Co-Founder and CEO, Shorefast Foundation
In conversation with Peter Dhillon
Feeding the Future with Canadian Innovation
In this wide-ranging conversation, Peter shared his thoughts on the way geopolitics, innovation, and climate change requires us to think differently about food systems. He makes the case for why developing a pan-Canadian strategy on agri-food innovation can help us drive the green economy, create jobs, ensure Canada’s global leadership, and deliver a carbon neutral food system.
“A lot of people think that food security begins and ends at the farm. But it really doesn’t. It begins at the farm, but it ends at the shelf”
Peter Dhillon, CEO, Richberry Group of Companies
Breakout Sessions
Elevating Voices
Chef Bashir Munye led an interactive session called Decolonizing the Table, which challenged participants to break age-old assumptions and biases in the food and hospitality industry.
Breaking Barriers in Food and Agriculture taught participants how to assess an organization’s DEI journey, prioritize mentorship, recruit diverse talent, and create opportunities for new farmers.
Policy and Advocacy: A Summit Salon discussed policy and advocacy in food systems at a global and local level.
The Business Case for Climate Solutions
This session explored why adopting climate solutions in food and agriculture can create a competitive business advantage. Panelists included:
- Mauricio Alanis, Director of Sustainability Strategy & Partnerships, Maple Leaf Foods
- Julie Gartside, Global Head of Integration Management Climate Change Strategies Technical Director, SLR Consulting
- Mohamad Yaghi, Climate and Agriculture Policy Lead, Climate Action Institute, RBC
- Ellery Burton, Principal Managing Partner, Alterra Innovation
- Sally Flis, Director, Sustainability Program Design & Outcome Management, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Engaging Stakeholders: an Ag-Tech Dialogue
From the devastating wildfires across Canada to extreme weather conditions around the world, the climate crisis has amplified the urgency and need to utilize innovations to help solve climate change challenges. Arrell Food Summit participants were invited to participate in a dialogue about the potential of Canadian innovations and technologies to impact food, agriculture and climate. The feedback was gathered and published in a report.
Research Pathways to a Sustainable Future
The University of Guelph is at the forefront of a variety of research leading pathways to a more sustainable food future. This session will brought together a multidisciplinary set of researchers from the University of Guelph to share their work.
Panelists included:
- Andrew MacDougall, Professor, Department of Integrative Biology
- Asim Biswas, Professor, School of Environmental Sciences
- Emily Robinson, Food Education Manager, School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management
- Kate Parizeau, Professor, Department of Geography, Environment & Geomatics
- Silvia Sarapura, Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
- Deb Stark, Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors