CSPC 2018

Organized by:  University of Guleph,  Malcolm Campbell

Canadian food systems are likely to look a lot different in the not-too-distant future. Insect-based flour, ingredients from food waste, foodstuffs from tailored crops and livestock, in vitro meat, novel fruits and vegetables, antibiotic-free meats, and cage-free eggs are poised to factor in Canadian diets. In some instances, science-based policy is in place to support the regulation and promotion of next-generation value chains and the uptake of these foods into our kitchens. In other instances, science-based policy is lagging, or is being thwarted by factors other than science. This panel will consider emerging food system trends, and whether policy is prepared to deal with these trends. Gaps in science or policy to address food trends will be considered, and suggestions made to address these gaps.

The panel will consider how innovations in the agri-food sector can enable Canada to lead as a producer of safe, healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food - and the policy challenges associated with this immense opportunity. The panel will be moderated by Professor Malcolm Campbell, Vice-President Research from the University of Guelph, who will open the session with a short, high-level overview. Four panelists will follow with more detailed examination of the opportunities and challenges ahead: (1)  Professor Mary Buhr, Dean of University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources will discuss the role of emerging on-farm trends and technologies that are impacting global food supply chains; (2) Professor of Food Science Maria Corradini, from the University of Massachusetts, will talk about how novel packaging and other food science innovations can reduce waste and improve health and sustainability; (3) Dr. Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO of Ontario Genomics will discuss emerging new genome-based technologies such as genomic selection and synthetic biology; and (4) Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute board member, and former Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Deputy Minister, Dr. Deb Stark will provide insights into policy hurdles and opportunities that could hinder or promote adoption of innovation into our food systems. The panel will then participate in an open discussion with the audience on this subject.