C.D. Howe Institute Agri-food Conference: Growing Canada’s Agri-food Superpower

Agriculture and agri-food are core to Canada’s enduring economic foundation and national identity. Nevertheless, the federal National Food Security Strategy and the joint Halifax Statement underscore a clear imperative: Canada’s national agri-food agenda must continue to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of today.

 On October 22, 2026, the C.D. Howe Institute will bring together industry leaders, academics, and senior policymakers in Saskatoon to take stock of critical industry developments and identify the practical policy solutions and actions needed to strengthen Canada’s place as an agri-food superpower. With its national convening power and cross-cutting policy expertise, the Institute is ideally placed to hold this timely discussion, which will advance a broader program of research and impact. 

 Sessions will explore the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, from supply chain vulnerabilities and trade diversification to raising capital for agri-food innovation, collaboration, and scaling. Together, speakers will examine how Canada can build greater resilience, unlock innovative capabilities, and grow this economic strength. The program will also feature a keynote lunch address focused on modernization to meet the current moment. 

 Following the conference, we will visit Black Fox Farm and Distillery, just a 10-minute drive from the conference venue. Black Fox is one of the country’s most renowned distilleries, which harvests grains, fruits, and flowers for its products on site. Guests will enjoy a cocktail and tour of the farm and distillery. Attendees may add this experience onto their conference ticket to end the day seeing, celebrating, and supporting Canadian agri-food.

Please follow this link to register individually or contact Tammy Trepanier, Senior Event Planner, ttrepanier@cdhowe.org.

Ticket $199 | Table of 8 $1499 | Ticket + Tour $245 | Table of 8 + Tour $1850

Panelists, with more to be announced: 

Al Mussell, Fellow-in-Residence, C.D. Howe Institute

George Lafond, former Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, current Director, Trans Canada Trail Board and Hudbay Minerals Inc.

Jeff Scott, Vice President, Operations and Supply Chains, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Kyle Larkin, President and CEO, Canadian Meat Council

Darren Baccus, Executive Vice President, Agri-food, Alliances, and FCC Capital, Farm Credit Canada

Dr. Farhad Maleki, Director, Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability, University of Calgary

Yuan Shi, General Partner, NYA Ventures

The Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, Saskatchewan