Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge
An innovative educational program brought to you by Arrell Food Institute, the Ontario Agricultural College, and Loblaw Companies Limited
The Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge is an experiential learning program that brings together graduate students across disciplines to develop solutions for a net-zero food system. The purpose of the program is to develop the skills of emerging food leaders who are interested in sustainable practices and how to build these into a food system that is net-zero. The Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge is run by Arrell Food Institute and the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. It is supported financially by Loblaw Companies Limited.
Program Overview
This semester, the program enters its second stage with a sharper focus on actionable outcomes. Eleven graduate students from diverse disciplines at U of G will collaborate in small teams, analyzing specific products from Loblaw’s portfolio. Using life cycle assessment tools and methodology, they will identify carbon emissions across production, processing, and distribution. By drawing on insights from producer organizations and industry experts, the students will develop practical recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for identified products. The interdisciplinary nature of the teams will allow them to leverage each other’s unique skills and perspectives, fostering a more holistic approach to tackling the challenge.
The outcomes from Phase II of the NZFSC will be made available here post completion. Continue scrolling to meet the Phase II participants and learn more about Phase I of the NZFSC.
Meet the participants
The 2025 participants in the Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge are University of Guelph graduate students with diverse, interdisciplinary backgrounds.
Phase I of the NZFSC
Phase I of the NZFSC brought together graduate students from across Canada alongside thought leaders and industry decision-makers to develop collaborative solutions for a sustainable agriculture and food system. The participants, divided into two teams, were tasked with specific challenges. Team one focused on promoting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices among farmers. The second team delved into researching best practices to encourage consumer uptake of climate-responsible products. Over the course of six months, students conducted independent research, synthesized academic and industry reports, and compared sustainability practices and commitments of food retailers in Canada and internationally. At the end of this cohort two whitepapers, an infographic, and an explainer video were produced.
Sustainable food systems for our future
The future of food depends on a resilient food system that can feed a growing population while protecting the health of the planet. The Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge is one of the projects that Arrell Food Institute is leading or a partner on that is focused on a more sustainable future.