Building on the success of the first stage of the Loblaw Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge (NZFSC), the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph, Arrell Food Institute, and Loblaw Companies Limited are advancing their partnership to tackle critical issues in decarbonizing Canada’s food system. The program’s second stage kicked off in January, bringing together graduate students and industry leaders to create actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
Laying the Foundation: Insights from the First Stage
NZFSC Phase I visit to Hoogenboom Family Farm – a greenhouse producing cucumbers.
In its inaugural phase, the Loblaw Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge united graduate students from across Canada to explore strategies for fostering climate-smart agricultural practices with producers and promoting consumer adoption of climate-smart products. By collaborating with producers, retailers, and academic experts, participants identified key levers for driving meaningful change in the food value chain. Their work underscored the importance of creating incentives for sustainability, setting the stage for this next phase.
“This collaboration is an exciting step toward transforming Canada’s food system,” said Emma Race, Sr. Director, Sustainability and Social Impact at Loblaw Companies Limited. “We’re proud to support emerging food leaders as they develop solutions that align consumer values, retailer priorities, and producer realities. Together, we’re making meaningful progress toward a sustainable future.”
Advancing the Challenge: Focused Solutions for a Sustainable Future
This semester, the program enters its second stage with a sharper focus on actionable outcomes. Ten 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.
Evan Fraser, AFI Director, addresses the NZFSC cohort at orientation.
“This challenge represents a unique opportunity for me to contribute to meaningful change while expanding my expertise in sustainability and food systems”, said Forough Sharifi, a PhD student in Management. “My work has always been centred on finding actionable solutions that merge cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, and the Net Zero Food Systems Challenge presents the perfect platform to put this passion into practice”.
The program will culminate in the selection of up to five products with the highest potential to advance decarbonization efforts. This process will include a thorough assessment of their environmental impact, alongside a careful evaluation of the practical implications for producers and retailers. Throughout the program, students will present mid-point findings to a panel of experts, including representatives from Loblaw Companies Limited. They will refine their strategies through collaborative workshops that integrate academic insights with industry perspectives, drawing on the expertise of professionals engaged in the production and sale of these products.
Fostering Leadership in Sustainability
The second stage of the Loblaw Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge reinforces the University of Guelph’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders to address the complex challenges of sustainability.
“OAC’s graduate programs include a broad range of experiential learning opportunities and career-focused skill development, ensuring students are prepared to meet industry demands,” said Dr. John Cranfield, Interim Dean of the U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College. “This partnership underscores the University of Guelph’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s agri-food system. To achieve this, we need collaboration from all stakeholders—from students to industry professionals to our own researchers.”
Students networking with each other at the NZFSC orientation.
For more information on the Loblaw Net-Zero Food Systems Challenge, visit https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/net-zero-food-systems-challenge/
About Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph
Arrell Food Institute brings people together to conduct research, train the next generation of food leaders and shape social, industrial and governmental decisions, always ensuring food is the central priority.
About the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its focus on research and teaching that inspires leaders, generates knowledge, and creates innovative solutions for food, agriculture, communities and the environment.
About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, as well as its largest retailer and private sector employer. With over 1 billion transactions each year in its unmatched network of 2,500 stores and national e-commerce options, Loblaw brings food, pharmacy, beauty, apparel and financial services to customers through many of Canada’s favourite and most-trusted brands: President’s Choice, No Name, Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, T&T, Joe Fresh, PC Express and PC Financial. The Company’s loyalty program, PC Optimum, has more than 16 million active members and is one of Canada’s largest and best-loved reward programs.
Loblaw’s purpose is to Help Canadians Live Life Well®. It makes good food affordable, health, beauty and wellness accessible, saving for the future possible, and essential style achievable.
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