CULTIVATE Sustainability Conference and Trade Show

March 13, 2025
Canad Inns Polo Park
Winnipeg Manitoba

Illuminate. Motivate. Innovate.

The Cultivate Sustainability Conference and Trade Show is about innovation and sustainability for agri-food and agri-food processors. Since it’s inception in 2022, we have hosted over 750 delegates, ranging from business leaders, policy makers, food and beverage innovators, and industry movers and shakers.

Join us at the only sustainability-focused event tailored for the agri-food and agri-food processing industry.

The Cultivate Sustainability Conference is your chance to dive into key topics like transformational technology, reducing food waste, and sustainable packaging design. Connect with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking solutions, and take part in impactful discussions that will shape the future of our sector.

By attending, you’ll be part of a powerful movement driving sustainable innovation. This is your opportunity to engage with experts, gain new insights, and collaborate on solutions that lead to lasting change.

Be a part of the change — register now and help lead our industry toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Join us for the CULTIVATE Sustainability Conference and Trade Show on February 6, 2024, for a day of knowledge sharing and engagement with industry thought leaders and innovators in sustainability, packaging, technology, automation, supply chain logistics, and more.

Sustainability is often compared to a three-legged stool, requiring a balance of economic, social, and environmental components to support a thriving, resilient society and address urgent challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, nitrification, and water usage.

Recent developments in ESG (environmental, social, and governance), political debates over the carbon tax, inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and growing resistance to globalization have created a precarious environment. How we grow, process, transport, and consume food lies at the heart of many of these issues, and Canada has the potential to become a global leader in producing low-carbon food products.

On March 13, 2025, the third annual Cultivate conference will explore how we can balance and strengthen this “three-legged stool,” featuring discussions on the future of food, the role of innovation and ambitious technologies, and practical solutions for smart scaling, business risk management, and continuous improvement to drive transformational changes in the food system.

Previous conferences brought together thought leaders from across the agri-food and agri-food processing chain to start conversations and share knowledge. Keynote presentations from passionate sustainability advocates within the industry included Maple Leaf, highlighting their commitment to net-zero, Sobeys discussing their supply chain sustainability program, and renowned experts addressing regenerative agriculture, packaging challenges, and retail commitments.

Cultivate is also known for its interactive and engaging workshops. In 2024, we proudly hosted 12 workshops covering topics such as food waste and upcycling, plastics and the future of packaging, sustainability finance, and the circular economy.

The event not only provided valuable insights and practical solutions but also reinforced the importance of a united approach in overcoming the challenges faced by the agri-food and agri-food processing sectors. The commitment and enthusiasm displayed by all participants underscored a promising path forward, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand for the benefit of all stakeholders and the environment.

Conference Schedule - March 13, 2025

8:00 am	Registration & Breakfast
9:00 am	Greetings
9:15 am	Keynote Speaker - Nicola Twilley
10:30 am	Workshops 1, 2, & 3
11:15 am	Trade Show
12:00 pm	Lunch
1:00 pm	Keynote 2
2:15 pm	Workshops 4, 5, & 6
3:15 pm	Closing remarks
3:30 pm	Trade Show

Inspiration for the road to net-zero

Our keynote speakers are trailblazers in the realm of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Their exemplary commitment to sustainable practices, social responsibility, and transparent governance has transformed industries such as agri-food. Their journeys exemplify the tangible impact and long-term benefits of adhering to ESG principles, making them beacons of inspiration for all who aspire to create positive change in the business world and beyond. Join us to learn, be inspired, and foster a future rooted in responsibility and sustainability.

cadmus delorme

OneHoop Consulting

Cadmus Delorme, a Cree and Saulteaux, is a citizen of the Cowessess First Nation. Mr. Delorme was Chief from 2016 to 2023. In 2023 Mr. Delorme received an honorary degree from the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institution. In 2021 Cadmus achieved an Institute of Corporate Director designation. In 2016 he received a Master of Public Administration from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and in 2013 a Bachelor of Business Administration along with a Certificate in Hospitality, Tourism and Gaming Entertainment Management from the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).

Mr. Delorme served in several capacities while a student in high school and university, including vice-president and president. In 2012, Cadmus was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his student leadership and the hospitality he showed to King Charles III and his Queen Consulate Camilla when they visited FNUniv in 2012. In 2022 Mr. Delorme was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee.

In 2015 Cadmus was named one of CBC Saskatchewan’s Future 40, which celebrates the province’s new generation of leaders, builders, and change-makers under the age of 40. During Mr. Delorme's time as Chief, his focus was on political sovereignty, economic self-sustainability, and cultural rejuvenation. In April 2023 Mr. Delorme decided to not run for a third term and now is Partner to OneHoop Consulting Group and Partner to Flowing River Capital Group which focuses on enhancing Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #92, Business and Reconciliation.

Mr. Delorme lives with his wife Kimberly, brother-in-law, daughter and two sons on the Cowessess First Nation.

Joe McMahan

Maple Leaf Foods

Joe McMahan oversees strategy and initiatives to maintain and enhance Maple Leaf Food’s position as an environmental leader in the protein industry. His work includes leading and developing the team that maintains Maple Leaf Food’s carbon neutrality status, the development of strategy and action plans to meet or exceed the company’s environmental footprint reduction goals, and coordination across the business to manage sustainability-related engagement and communications.

Prior to joining Maple Leaf Foods, McMahan oversaw programs, projects, and partnerships to create and advance the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, a sustainability framework now adopted by over 75% of the U.S. milk supply. Prior to joining the Innovation Center, McMahan was a sustainable agriculture program manager for The Coca-Cola Company, worked in Indonesia on a sustainability-focused project with Mars Incorporated, and spent four years in East Africa improving livelihoods for smallholder and subsistence farmers. McMahan holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Auburn University and a master’s in business administration from Duke University focused on sustainability, strategy and social entrepreneurship.

Eli Brown

Sobeys

Eli Browne is a passionate sustainability professional with 14+ years’ experience bringing sustainability initiatives to life in complex corporate settings. Currently, Eli is the Director of Corporate Sustainability at Sobeys Inc, Canada’s family grocery retailer. As Director, Eli leads a national team responsible for developing and managing sustainability strategy, Environment Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and executing strategic initiatives at Sobeys Inc, including Sobeys Inc.’s Net Zero initiative and ensuring the business is tracking towards those ambitious goals. Eli was recently recognized by Canadian Grocer Magazine as a Star Woman in Grocery, and one of their Generation Next Award Winners.

Rachael Stolberg

Sobeys

Rachael Stolberg is a seasoned professional in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and currently leads national Product Sustainability at Sobeys Inc. With a focus on collaboration with suppliers, Rachael is dedicated to enhancing the availability of environmentally responsible products for Canadian consumers, and working with all players across the supply chain to collaboratively address the threats of climate change within the Canadian food sector. Rachael's expertise extends beyond product sustainability; she has managed global employee engagement and corporate giving programs and has a track record of driving positive change and a passion for creating a more sustainable future.

Scheduled Workshops for your Green knowledge

Bring theory into practice with these hands-on workshops and panel discussions. Composed of a cross-section of speakers from across the value chain, you will learn about the how and not just the why.

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Building with Purpose: Sustainability and Transparency

Unwrapped: Rethinking Plastics in the Food Industry

10:15 am - Embassy C

The environmental implications of packaging and food waste are two critical challenges facing our industry. Canada is at the forefront of introducing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Join us as we explore alternative packaging, and the role of tech in creating a greener tomorrow.

Panelists:

Dana McCauley - Canadian Food Innovation Network

TBD - Red River College Prairie Research Kitchen

Workplace Inclusion: The Key to a Thriving Diverse Workforce

Sustainability Finance: Unpacking ESG disclosures and their financial impacts

1:15 pm - Embassy F

The connections between financial institutions and ESG (Environmental, Social, & Governance) disclosures is more vital than ever. With a focus on the food processing industry, discover the far-reaching implications on capital access, insurance nuances, and risk mitigation strategies in this workshop. Find out what you’ll need to bring your enterprise into a greener future.

Panelists:

Pierre Taillefer - BDO Canada

Andrea Rudnick - TD Bank

Empowerment & Environment: Leveraging Net-Zero Strategies for Talent Engagement

10:15 am - Embassy D

Discover the growing influence of B-Corps, the rising tide of Social Purpose businesses, and the impact of ESG trends on talent recruitment and retention. Research shows millenials and gen-z interested for purpose driven businesses, environmental performance, over profit. Overcome challenges to recruitment. Join us as we discuss the strategies and mindsets needed to inspire, attract, and retain the eco-conscious, purpose-driven workforce of tomorrow.

Panelists:

Dennis Cunningham: Assiniboine Credit Union

Kevin Elder: Food Processing Skills Canada

From Roots to Resilience: The Revitalization of Indigenous Food Systems

3:15 pm - Embassy F

Explore how Manitoba's Indigenous food systems seamlessly integrate traditional agricultural practices with contemporary innovations, fostering a sustainable and accessible system that benefits both the local community and the broader province. Delve into success stories that underscore the synergy of community engagement and strategic partnerships in cultivating a robust food system.

Foodwaste and Upcycling

1:15 pm - Embassy E

Upcycling is a growing trend that tackles food waste head-on, turning surplus produce into other ingredients or repurposing spent grains from brewing into nutritious food products. This not only reduces the environmental impact of waste but also sparks innovation and can open new markets. Upcycling in the food sector supports sustainable practices, contributes to a more robust economy, and encourages a cultural shift towards valuing and utilizing resources more effectively.

Panelists:

Julie Poitras-Saulnier - LOOP Mission

Earl McLaren - Manitoba Starch Products

The Circular Economy

3:15 pm - Embassy D

The circular economy means rethinking how food is produced, processed, and distributed, ensuring that by-products are repurposed and organic waste is returned to the ecosystem. Embracing the circular economy can help the food industry reduce its environmental footprint, enhance food security, and create economic opportunities by turning waste into valuable resources.

Panelists:

James Battershill - JUNO Food Labs

Mike Fernandes - Strategy Makers

Kathleen Sullivan - Maple Leaf

Empowering Industry Growth on the Farm: ProteinMB Talk in partnership with Keystone Agricultural Producers

3:15 pm - Embassy E

Theme: Vertical integration and value added as a pathway to sustainability. Join this workshop as we highlight value added success stories from a producer perspective with a linkage to sustainability and continuous improvement. Build awareness of the opportunities and learn about the sustainability (economic, environmental, and social) values to your business. Discover what is possible and what supports are available. Sustainability doesn’t look the same for all businesses and is not a one size fit all solution.

Future of Farming: Fertilizing for a Greener Tomorrow

10:15 am - Embassy F

Join us in exploring the cutting-edge world of next-generation fertilizers. Learn about innovations that are not just improving crop yields but also playing a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture. Take this workshop and learn about one of the most innovative sustainable farming sectors and how it secures a brighter, greener future for the planet.

Panelists:

Mario Tenuta - University of Manitoba

Red River Métis perspectives on local food systems

1:15 pm - Embassy D

The Manitoba Métis Federation ( the “MMF”) – National Government of the Red River Métis, will highlight Red River Métis perspectives on local food systems. This workshop will focus on how the MMF Food Security Initiative is enabling the revitalization of Red River Métis food production and preservation of traditional practices including canning, preserving, seed saving, propagation, and more. This workshop will also recognize the diversity in Red River Métis agricultural production across the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

Agri-food based community resilience and First Nations community economic development

10:15 am - Embassy E

Join us as we explore and share best practices for fostering community economic development, particularly within the context of a First Nations' community, through effective collaboration with other stakeholders in the agri-food ecosystem. Explore the interplay between sustainable land management and food systems, fostering ecological and economic resilience. Delve into strategies to reduce waste and enhance sustainability within agriculture. Discover inspiring achievements in the Osoyoos agri-food industry and their positive impact on community prosperity. Additionally, explore strategies for economic growth in First Nations' communities through collaboration within the agri-food ecosystem.

Panelist:

Chief Clarence Louie

Gordon Walker

Myron Cook

Lawrence Sanders Jr.