The Must-Attend Event Will Feature Keynote Conversations and Thoughtful Explorations of Global Solutions from May 22 to 24, 2018
TORONTO, ON – (May 14, 2018) - Uniting industry change-makers in a celebration of innovation in agriculture and food, the University of Guelph’s Arrell Food Institute’s (AFI) inaugural Arrell Food Summit takes place Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23 at the University of Guelph, and Thursday, May 24 at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Through dynamic speakers and the Arrell Global Food Innovation Awards, attendees can expect a hub of thought-provoking information – the product of world-class research – and no shortage of networking opportunities. Guests will leave armed with insight on innovations that will help us sustainably feed the planet as we move closer to a global population of 9 billion people.
The Arrell Food Summit’s captivating speakers include astronaut, medical doctor, author, and photographer, Roberta Bondar; Head of Technology Industries at the World Economic Forum, Danil Kerimi; Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of George Weston Limited, Galen G. Weston; adjudicator for the Arrel Food Innovation Awards, Sheila Watt-Cloutier; and Hope Professor of Zoology at Oxford University and Director of the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food, Sir Charles Godfray, to name a few. Guests will also gain insight from voices that represent everyone from local farmers, to food inspectors and PhD students.
“The Arrell Food Summit unites some of the most influential, forward-thinking figures in the global food economy,” said Professor Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute. “Our goal in the establishment of the Arrell Food Institute was to inspire the next generation of food and agriculture thought leaders and to effect real-world change, and the summit offers an impactful opportunity to do just that, as we bring different perspectives together.”
Arrell Food Summit sessions will address all aspects of the food production industry, from the challenging of traditional assumptions on food waste, to artificial intelligence for the greenhouse industry, mental health in agriculture, adapting to changing food circumstances, and what a food policy for Canada could look like.
As part of the programming, the Arrell Global Food Innovation Awards Gala – held on May 24 in Toronto – will offer optimism and inspiration as it recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions toward a more sustainable, safe, equitable, and nutritious global food system. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will speak at the dinner, and winners Solidaridad, a Netherlands-based founding organization of the fair trade label, and Harvard University professor Dr. Samuel S. Myers will each receive $100,000 at the summit in recognition of their achievements.
“Solidaridad and professor Samuel Myers are true examples of the success that comes from finding innovative and creative solutions to pressing global agri-food issues,” said Professor Fraser. “Solidaridad has had a widespread impact and reshaped the global supply chain into one that is not only better for the people of the world but also the environment; scientific leaders like Myers are integral if we are going to overcome the challenges our world will face in feeding nine billion people and beyond.”
The Arrell Food Summit will also offer a prime offering of multiple opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, important conversations and idea sharing among both seasoned and up-and-coming industry professionals through networking breaks, interactive meals, and receptions.
Launched in March 2017, the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph represents a hub of world-class research related to food and agriculture, with goals to effect real-world change by developing socially responsible, ecologically sound, and profitable global supply chains. In its short existence, the AFI has become a respected voice on agriculture, food, innovation, and sustainability, quickly inspiring the next generation of agriculture and food thought leaders. Of course, the University of Guelph’s trailblazing in the agri-food realm is nothing new; the university is known across the globe for its international research excellence in agri-food and innovative education experiences for its students.
Registration for the Arrell Food Summit is currently open online until Thursday, May 17:
University of Guelph - May 22/23
One-Day Pass ($279)
Two-Day Pass ($555)
Note: Non-profit and student rates are available
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto - May 24
Day Program ($449)
Awards Gala ($249)
Source : Arrell Food Institute