Agri-Food 2050: The future of Canadian agriculture starts here – and you’re invited!

The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is calling on agri-food leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to be part of Agri-Food 2050 — a must-attend event tackling the biggest challenges and boldest opportunities facing Ontario’s agriculture and food sector.

Happening September 17 at the Brock Niagara Fallsview Hotel in Niagara Falls, the program of this high-impact gathering is designed to bring farmers, agri-food entrepreneurs, researchers, policy makers, industry associations, and innovators from across the value chain to the table to share insights, forge new connections, and lay the groundwork for solutions that can drive meaningful change.

“As a trusted convener in Ontario’s agri-food community with 30 years of experience in working collaboratively across the sector, AAC is uniquely positioned to facilitate the tough but necessary conversations that will shape agriculture’s long-term success,” says Ruth Knight, AAC board member and Chair of the Agri-Food 2050 Committee. “Agri-Food 2050 will dive into the drivers of change facing agriculture, explore the intersections between economic, social, environmental, and technological forces, and identify strategies to strengthen resilience and competitiveness in the decades ahead.”

Dynamic breakout sessions will challenge participants to explore:

• Economics – Access to capital for producers and processors
• Social factors – Labour shortages across the supply chain
• Environment & resources – Impacts of climate change
• Technology & innovation – Artificial intelligence in farming and supply chains

The foundational theme of policy and change capacity will be woven through every discussion, as strong policy frameworks and adaptability are essential to progress in every area. The event’s program was shaped by the work of the AAC’s Foresight Working Group.

“The Agricultural Adaptation Council's 2050 initiative is vital for the future of Ontario's agriculture and food sector, and I am grateful for their leadership,” says Rene Van Acker, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph and member of Agri-Food 2050 Committee and Foresight Working Group. “Their engagement of the sector to determine where our future lies is essential. It is only when we see our destination, our future, that we can work to get there, together." 

Another highlight is keynote speaker Jesse Hirsh — a futurist turned farmer — who will spark bold thinking on how the sector can thrive over the next 25 years with his unique perspectives bridging breakthrough technology and hands-on food production.

“The Agri-Food 2050 planning committee sees this gathering as the first step in a much longer journey,” adds Melanie DiReto, AAC Executive Director. “We want to move from conversation to action by creating a shared vision, building momentum for cross-sector collaboration, and establishing the foundation for ongoing work to address challenges and seize opportunities for the sector.”

Registration is now open at adaptcouncil.org/agri-food-2050-event. Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of Canadian agriculture and food. Sponsorship opportunities are also available — a chance to align your organization with thought leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth in the agri-food sector. Contact AAC to learn more.

"As partners within the agri-food supply chain we have an opportunity and a responsibility to drive meaningful change,” notes Doug Alexander, Vice President Sustainability and Government Relations,

Belmont Food Group and member of Foresight Working Group. “What we build today must be resilient, innovative, and sustainable—capable of adapting to evolving challenges while ensuring food security for generations to come. Our collective action now is essential to transform challenges into opportunities, creating a future that thrives and nourishes all."