Cultivate

ESG Fundamentals for Competitiveness and Productivity

2:15 pm — Meeting Room K
Sponsored by BDC and CANZA

    As businesses face regulatory uncertainty south of the border and the prevalence of climate-related topics in the public discourse, this workshop will explore why ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting and strategy are critical, regardless of political outcomes. Join our industry experts from BDC and CANZA as they share insights into how ESG fundamentals not only enhance compliance but drive productivity and competitiveness in the agri-food and agri-food processing sectors.

    Workshop Objectives

    • Understand ESG’s Strategic Importance: Learn why ESG should be a core part of your business strategy, irrespective of shifting political dynamics in Canada or the U.S.
    • Focus on Productivity and Competitiveness: Explore how ESG principles can enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and market positioning.
    • Bridge Regulatory and Market Gaps: Gain clarity on emerging ESG regulations and practical approaches to prepare your business.
    • Leverage ESG as a Market Advantage: Learn how creating markets for ESG-related benefits can transform value chains and support sustainable growth.

    CANZA is Canada’s leading multi-stakeholder agriculture alliance focused on progressing a resilient agri-food system. They bring together farmers, industry, government, and academia to co-create and accelerate solutions toward a sustainable, profitable, and productive agri-food future. We are a solution space of Generate Canada, a charitable organization that seeks to generate solutions for a strong and inclusive economy that thrives within nature’s limits. 

    Nick Betts, Managing Director, CANZA: Nick is the inaugural Managing Director for the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food. He is an action-driven, strategy-guided leader in building and deploying opportunities that drive positive climate impact across the agri-food industry. With a background spanning roles in farm associations, agricultural ministries, international industry associations, and global climate consulting, Nick’s unique perspective and experiences catalyze innovative and implementable solutions from boots to the boardroom. Through his 15+ years working in agricultural sustainability, Nick brings a robust international industry and academic network, experience in leading global initiatives in regenerative agriculture and a deeply seeded understanding and awareness of Canadian agriculture and farming communities.

    Philippe Achkar currently serves as the Director of Innovation & Impact within the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)’s Advisory Services practice. He leads key projects on sustainability, artificial intelligence and industrial automation, helping Canadian SMEs drive growth and productivity while strengthening their resilience to the significant challenges of our times. Philippe’s diverse background includes strategic roles in the aviation and aerospace sector, focused on market penetration strategies across emerging markets, as well as public policy roles focused on business taxation, foreign direct investment attraction and the integration of southern goods, products and produce in global value chains.