Food Innovation: Saskatchewan's Sustainability Success

Description

Explore Saskatchewan’s food innovation and sustainability in a panel discussion. Hear from experts on advancements in agriculture and join us for a reception to network and discuss further.

Additional Information

This is an in-person event with limited seating. Registration is required. 

No library card? Register via Eventbrite to attend.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on Saskatchewan’s leadership in food innovation and sustainability, part of the Agriculture Week series.

Discover how Saskatchewan's agricultural practices have advanced with new technologies and sustainability efforts. The discussion will cover:

• The evolution of Saskatchewan’s agricultural success.
• Impactful innovations in food production.
• Environmental considerations and Saskatchewan’s unique approach.
• and more..

Enjoy a networking reception following the discussion.

Panel Moderator and Host: 

Clinton Monchuk, Executive Director of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan.

Clinton Monchuk grew up on a mixed dairy, beef and grain family farm outside of Lanigan, Saskatchewan.  He received his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan and Masters of Business Administration in Agriculture from the University of Guelph.  Clinton has enjoyed numerous roles across Canada, the United States and Mexico as a researcher, educator, manager, economist and director of trade policy.

In 2016 Clinton accepted the role of Executive Director with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan to promote farming and ranching to consumers.  Clinton understands the value of increasing public trust in agriculture and actively promotes engagement between the agriculture industry and consumers. He also gives back to the agriculture community as a board member, serving on the Agri-Food Council of Saskatchewan and Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd. (a large cattle feedlot and ethanol plant).

Clinton, Laura and their children Jackson and Katelyn, continue to be active partners on their family grain farm in Saskatchewan and cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

Panelists:

Alanna Koch, Chairperson of the Global Institute for Food Security

Alanna Koch is a farmer, industry leader, long-time agriculture champion, former senior government executive and experienced corporate director from Edenwold, Saskatchewan. She’s the Board Chair of the Global Institute for Food Security and CN Agricultural Advisory Council, sits on the board of SeedMaster Manufacturing and the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, chairs the Field of STARS Fundraising Committee and is an active member of the Global Farmer Network. She works with farmers and the agriculture industry through her consulting company, KoHert Agri Inc. Before this, she served as Deputy Minister to Premier Brad Wall and Cabinet Secretary and was the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Agriculture for nine years. Prior to joining government, she was President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and was Executive Director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers. Throughout her career, Alanna’s priority has been to build and maintain public trust in agriculture by focusing on science-based decision making and communicating the benefits of innovation and modern tools and technology. Alanna has been widely recognized for her contributions to the agricultural industry and community. She farms with her husband Gerry Hertz.

Bernice Richard, Chief Operating Officer of Custom Agricultural Intelligence Inc.

Bernice Richard is the Chief Operating Officer of Custom Agricultural Intelligence Inc. Her passion for sustainable solutions in agriculture led her to co-found the company, where she focuses on researching and formulating strategies to balance soil nutrients and enhance crop health. Bernice's expertise in biochemistry, market research, and project management contributes to her hands-on approach in overseeing all aspects of the organization. 
With an extensive background in marketing, including experience in print and TV media production, Bernice understands the importance of developing meaningful relationships with employees. She fosters a warm and open-door policy, striving to create a diverse workplace that promotes growth and fulfillment for everyone, regardless of their background. 
Beyond her role in Custom Agricultural Intelligence Inc., Bernice has actively been involved in various charitable projects benefiting communities like Sedley, Regina, and Weyburn. She has served on the board of the Friends of Royal Saskatchewan Museum and has been recognized for her achievements in recent years. Bernice was named one of Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2022 and was a finalist in the Women in Non-Traditional Roles category for the YWCA Women of Distinction in 2022. In 2023, she received the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal, won the Innovator Category for the YWCA Women of Distinction 2023 and she awarded Woman of Excellence Winner at the Black Excellence Gala 2023. Right now, she works on spreading awareness into the need for better DEI initiatives around manufacturing and agricultural industry via her speaking engagements around Canada. 
In addition to her business ventures, Bernice is an author with seven published children books that focuses on diverse characters. Her goal is to inspire and make a positive impact on society by leveraging her business platform to give back to the community. 

Erika Stewart, Provincial Coordinator of Verified Beef Production Plus

Erika Stewart, with her husband Cyle and their daughters, ranch near Morse, Saskatchewan. They have a commercial cattle operation. The Stewarts are passionate about the grasslands they are fortunate enough to call home and are always trying to learn and improve their management practices on the ranch. 

In June 2024, Cyle and Erika were named Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2024 at the Saskatchewan Region’s Recognition Event, held in conjunction with Canada’s Farm Show at REALDistrict.
 
Erika is also the provincial coordinator for the VBP+ program in Saskatchewan. She is the first point of contact for producers in Saskatchewan who want to become certified through VBP+ and learn about beef sustainability in Canada. Erika is also very passionate about sharing her ranching story with consumers. 

This event is presented in partnership with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan.

*Registration required

66 spots available

Registration Closed