Powering Food Futures initiative brings together University of Guelph, Ontario Agricultural College and Loblaw to explore climate resilience, innovation and workforce opportunities across Canada’s agri-food sector.
A new national initiative is inviting farmers, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to help shape the future of Canada’s agri-food sector at a time when food security, climate resilience and global competitiveness are taking on heightened importance.
Powering Food Futures, a collaboration between the Arrell Food Institute (AFI), the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph and Loblaw Companies Limited, aims to explore how Canada can strengthen its position as a global leader in climate-resilient food production and innovation.
As part of the initiative, organizers are seeking input from across the food system through a survey designed to identify challenges, opportunities and priorities for Canada’s agricultural future. According to AFI, feedback gathered through the consultation process will help inform research, stakeholder engagement activities and a major report focused on strengthening the country’s food and agriculture sector.
The project centres on three interconnected themes:
- Climate-resilient food production capacity and Canada’s role in global food systems
- Innovation, technology and productivity across the agri-food value chain
- Workforce development, skills and economic opportunity
Organizers say these topics are closely linked and will play a critical role in determining how effectively Canada responds to challenges ranging from climate change and supply chain disruptions to labour shortages and growing global food demand.
“This is an opportune time to think big and find the critical opportunities that will fuel Canada’s future as an agri-food powerhouse,” said Evan Fraser, Executive Director of the Arrell Food Institute.
Canada is widely recognized for its agricultural resources, research capacity and reputation as a trusted food producer. However, industry leaders and researchers have increasingly emphasized the need for strategic investment and collaboration to maintain competitiveness while improving sustainability and resilience.
Previous AFI research has highlighted Canada’s potential to become a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation. The institute has noted that advances in ag-tech could help address labour shortages, increase productivity, reduce environmental impacts and unlock significant economic opportunities for the country’s food sector.
The Powering Food Futures initiative is intended to move beyond a traditional research report. Organizers say the effort will bring together experts, industry organizations, government representatives, advocates and academics to foster dialogue and build consensus around key priorities for the future.
By connecting perspectives from across the food system, the initiative aims to support policy discussions, strengthen networks and encourage collaborative action that can improve resilience at both the national and global level.
For farmers, the project presents an opportunity to influence conversations around agricultural innovation, climate adaptation, labour development and long-term competitiveness. Producers are often the first to experience the impacts of extreme weather, rising production costs and changing market conditions, making their input particularly valuable as Canada develops strategies for future growth.
The survey is open to individuals working across the food and agriculture system, including producers, processors, researchers, government representatives and industry stakeholders. Responses will help identify where Canada has strengths to build upon and where additional action may be required to secure future opportunities.
As global food systems face increasing pressures from climate change, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting consumer expectations, the organizations behind Powering Food Futures believe Canada is uniquely positioned to play a larger role in helping feed a growing world while supporting economic growth at home.
The initiative’s findings are expected to contribute to ongoing conversations about how Canada can remain both a reliable food supplier and a leader in sustainable agricultural innovation for decades to come.
Farmers and agri-food stakeholders interested in participating can complete the Powering Food Futures survey through the Arrell Food Institute.