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

Please note this conference is taking place in Saskatoon and is from 8:30 am to 2:15 pm Central Standard Time.

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. 

Ticket $199 | Table of 8 $1499 

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

Opening Remarks

Tom Rosser, Assistant Deputy Minister, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

Session 1: Setting the Table

Al Mussell, Fellow-in-Residence, C.D. Howe Institute
George Lafond, former Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan
Penny McCall, Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sector Growth, Government of Saskatchewan

Session 2: Tending to Trade: Supply Chains and Food Security

Jeff Scott, Vice President, Operations and Supply Chains, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Dr. Jill Hobbs, Distinguished Professor, University of Saskatchewan
Omer Al-Katib, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs, AGT Food and Ingredients

Keynote Lunch: The Moment for Modernization

Darcy Pawlik, President & Chief Executive Officer, Ag-West Bio

Session 3: Fostering a Culture of Investment and Innovation

Louis Brown, Director of Investments, Farm Credit Canada
Dr. Farhad Maleki, Director, Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability, University of Calgary
Yuan Shi, General Partner, NYA Ventures
Michelle Sandercock, Director of Business Development, National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

Closing Remarks

Dr. Peter Phillips, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Saskatchewan