By Michael Mikulak, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Manitoba
What does an ESG backlash mean to your business? At its core, ESG for business is not a rigid set of rules or regulations for companies to follow. Instead, it serves as a framework to reduce harm, create opportunities, and strengthen communities. Unfortunately, ESG for business has increasingly been flattened into a mere political talking point, overshadowing its critical role in managing risks, fostering innovation, and building resilience in an uncertain world.
ESG and its principles are fundamentally about governance in a changing world and recognizing that climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse represent very material risks to business practices. This is especially true for the agri-food and agri-food processing sectors, which rely on weather, soil, and other natural ecosystem services for productivity and output.
Lenders, investors, and insurance companies have led the charge for mandatory climate disclosures because, at a fundamental level, ESG is a framework for business leaders to manage risk in an increasingly uncertain world. Despite the current political landscape, the reality of climate impacts is already being felt today, and it will only get worse the longer we wait to act. Heat domes, forest fires, droughts, and supply chain disruptions are the new normal, all driven by a rapidly changing climate.
We are seeing tumultuous changes within our own government and among our neighbors. Canada, along with all levels of government, is facing increasing demands from both established and emerging trading partners and stakeholders, domestically and internationally. To navigate these evolving challenges — including those related to ESG — our industry and our members must stay agile and proactive.
At Food and Beverage Manitoba, we don’t have a crystal ball, but we do our best to prepare our members for the future by investing in programs, advocacy efforts, and training to help you navigate the road ahead.
Although environmental sustainability concerns may currently have a lower priority, it is widely recognized that regulatory changes and pressures will significantly impact the short- and long-term viability of businesses, particularly for members heavily dependent on soil health, water resources, and biodiversity preservation.
For the last three years, we have held our Cultivate conference to focus on sustainability, net-zero, and decarbonizing the food system as an opportunity for Canada. This year, we believe it is even more important to cut through the noise and look at the fundamentals of sustainability.
Focusing on energy efficiency, regulatory risk, productivity, competitiveness, and the ability to attract foreign investment remains fundamentally connected to our sector’s environmental performance. California and the EU already require climate disclosures, and Canadian regulations for climate disclosures in financial institutions come into effect in 2025.
More importantly, our sector is uniquely exposed to environmental outcomes. Once again, the climate has broken new records in 2025, but these are not the kind of records we should celebrate. Join us at Cultivate this year as we explore scaling up sustainably, focusing on efficiency, innovation, and revolutions in the cold chain that will help your business remain competitive regardless of the political winds.
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about building a resilient, efficient, and profitable business that generates value at multiple levels for diverse stakeholders. Learn how to future-proof your business at Cultivate.
In an era of uncertainty, ESG for business is more than just a buzzword—it’s a strategic approach to future-proofing operations, managing risks, and unlocking opportunities. By embracing sustainability, resilience, and innovation, businesses can stay competitive, attract investment, and meet the evolving expectations of stakeholders. Join us at Cultivate to explore how ESG for business can drive long-term success and help you navigate the challenges of today’s changing world.
Learn more about Cultivate: foodbeveragemb.ca/cultivate