I am co-organizing a panel discussion called Connecting Traditional and Non-Traditional Players in Extension to Drive Sustainability Outcomes. It was prompted by some conversations I had with University of Guelph and OMAFA colleagues around the time the call for sessions was open, along with my experiences working with external partners on agricultural sustainability initiatives at Arrell Food Institute. We’re excited for the discussion on Thursday!
Panelists:
Nick Betts, Managing Director, Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food (CANZA)
Monica Hadarits, Executive Director, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Mohamad Yaghi, Vice President of AgExpert and Innovation Hub, FCC
Co-facilitators:
Christoph Wand, Livestock Sustainability Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Janice LeBoeuf, Sustainable Agriculture Lead, Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph
PARALLEL (ROUNDTABLE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT) SESSION IV
Thursday, October 30, 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.
RoundTable & Professional Development Session IV-B PCH CENTRE
Session objectives:
Explore the potential to reach Canadian agri-food sustainability goals more quickly and efficiently through partnerships that harness the strengths of public agricultural extension programs together with well-resourced organizations with overlapping sustainability goals. Participants will gain an understanding of the sustainability priorities of organizations such as large agri-food enterprises/ multinational corporations, financial institutions, and foundations. Participants will gain insight into how public extension teams with proven strengths in working with producers to effect change, can seek out, pitch to, and partner with these organizations to meet mutual goals.