Canada plays a vital role in the agricultural sector. Farming has modernized to make food more affordable and accessible for a growing population, but its strong GDP contribution comes at a significant environmental cost. Accounting for nearly 10% of national greenhouse gas emissions, the agricultural industry must find a way to produce more sustainably while continuing to put affordable food on Canadian tables. Today, agriculture is subject to poor connectivity, increasing market pressures, supply chain consolidation, and competition for resources. These factors coalesce to hinder circularity, diversity, and inclusivity in the industry, and practices that were once common, like land and resource co-management, have diminished among Canadian farmers. Our project aims to stimulate collective action at the county level in consultation with a diverse group of farmers and agronomists, motivated to advance regeneration.

In collaboration with the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, the Centre, with the leadership of Oana Branzei, will introduce a dedicated green stream within the Western Accelerator, dedicated to sustainable agri-food and bio-economy start-ups. This green stream "Regenerator" is an impact-driven program aimed at accelerating the growth of high-potential ventures. Through a 16-week intensive program, selected ventures receive hands-on mentorship and educational training from in-house experts and industrial partners. The program is designed to compress years of accumulated knowledge and learning into four months, enabling entrepreneurs to accelerate their ventures' life cycles. These ventures will help promote a just transition to net zero and a regenerative, circular economy through sustainable finance and offer real-time examples of entrepreneurship and innovation aligned with the 2030 agenda and 2050 plans.

The Systems Transformation Pathway Initiative will convene key Canadian agri-food system stakeholders to characterize a shared vision of the future agri-food system and then clarify critical pathways (e.g., technology, sourcing and production paradigms, financial models) and actions that can accelerate transformation towards this ideal future.

The Future of Agri-Food Event Series explored the evolving landscape of food systems, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and policy to discuss pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. Each session focused on a critical aspect of agri-food sustainability, from regenerative agriculture to food security and circular food economies.

• Session 1: The Future of Agri-food: Canada's Leadership Opportunity examined shifting consumer expectations, technological innovations, and policy developments shaping the sector. The discussion highlighted how businesses can navigate these changes while advancing sustainability goals.
• Session 2: Regenerative Agriculture: The Role of Finance & the Value Chain explored how circular economy principles can reduce waste and improve resource efficiency across supply chains. Experts shared strategies for integrating circular practices into business models and fostering collaboration across sectors.
• Session 3: Circular Food Economy: Canada's $50 Billion Opportunity addressed key questions on resilience, climate adaptation, and the role of policy in driving sustainable transformation. Panelists explored how agri-food stakeholders can work together to build a more secure and equitable food future.
• Session 4: Challenging the Production Paradigm: Voices of the Farmer focused on the growing demand for alternative proteins and the innovations driving this shift. Experts discussed the economic, environmental, and consumer trends influencing the protein market and what it means for the future of food production.