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The Keynotes of Cultivate

The Hidden Costs of Cold: Rethinking Refrigeration for a Sustainable Future

Refrigeration, a crucial aspect of our food system, keeps meals fresh and accessible. We are proud to present Nicola Twilley, renowned journalist, podcaster, and author of Frostbite, How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves as one of our keynote speakers as she challenges our perception of the cold chain.

In her acclaimed book, Twilley explores the history, science, and consequences of refrigeration. While it revolutionized food preservation and reduced waste, it has drawbacks like food waste in freezers and environmental costs. She invites us to reconsider the system.

Join us as Twilley inspires us to rethink convenience, examine food supply trade-offs, and imagine innovative solutions for a better future. Her talk will inspire conversations about technology, sustainability, and consumer habits.

Advancing Sustainable Packaging in the Food Processing Industry
Presented by NRC and Winpack

Explore the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation with a focus on biodegradation capabilities and environmental impact reduction. This keynote will highlight cutting-edge materials and technologies designed to enhance biodegradability, promote circular economy principles, and maintain product integrity. Gain insights into how the food processing industry is adopting scalable, eco-friendly solutions to meet regulatory trends and growing consumer demands for sustainability. Join the expert industry leaders at the National Research Council (NRC) to discover actionable strategies that drive environmental stewardship while creating opportunities for growth and brand differentiation.


Recipe for Resilience: Navigating your challenges in agri-food and agri-food processing

Join Michael Mikulak, Dana McCauley (CFIN), Chris Bunio (TheoryMesh), Maurice Bouvier (Manitoba Agriculture), and Rick Reid (Supply Chain Manitoba) for the final wrap-up discussion of the conference, exploring what the future holds for the agri-food and agri-food processing industry. This thought-provoking session will delve into the most pressing challenges facing the sector, including the impact of climate change, the critical shifts in consumer demands, the urgency of addressing food waste, and the need for innovative water and resource management strategies. Discover the potential solutions, bright spots, and collaborative strategies needed to navigate supply chain complexities, packaging sustainability, and biodiversity protection while maintaining economic viability. A perfect end to an illuminating day.