The role of any food system is to serve the end consumer. In the past, farmers, food processors, and retailers responded to the demand of consumers. Supply follows demand. For the most part Canada has kept a very scientific based approach to policy making when it comes to food and how food is grown. However, there is concern with a bit of a deviation of these policies when one considers what has and is happening in the European Union. They have experienced a trend in policy-making that seeks to interfere in both the demand, and even more directly, in the supply side of the equation. The question that comes up then, is will food policy sway away from science? With us today is Bill Wirtz from the Consumer Choice Centre to discuss how policy changes affect food choices.

Host
Clinton Monchuk grew up on a mixed dairy, beef and grain family farm outside of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor’s 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.
Clinton, Laura and their children Jackson and Katelyn, are active partners on their family grain and layer farm in Saskatchewan and cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

Guest
Bill Wirtz is the Senior Policy Analyst at the Consumer Choice Center. He covers agriculture and trade policy in Europe and North America.

Resources
Consumer Choice Center
Canadian Food Focus

Episode Credits: Research and writing by Dorothy Long and Penny Eaton, Produced and edited by Angela Larson and Michael Jordon, Music by Andy Ellison-Track title: Gravel Road

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We live in an age where technology is ever changing. Advancements in communication, transportation and health care seem to be seen and understood across this country, but what about new tech when it comes to food production? Olds College in Olds, Alberta specializes in testing new technologies that can be implemented on Canadian farms and ranches. Their ‘Smart Farm’ works with companies to develop solutions for tomorrow’s problems, while educating students in hands-on learning. David Fullerton, the Director of Applied Research at Olds College, highlights how this partnership between tech companies, Olds College and farmers/ranchers works.

Host:
Clinton Monchuk grew up on a mixed dairy, beef and grain family farm outside of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor’s 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.
Clinton, Laura and their children Jackson and Katelyn, are active partners on their family grain and layer farm in Saskatchewan and cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

Guest
David Fullerton M.c., P.Ag.
Director of Applied Research, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
David is the Director of Applied Research at Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI). He provides overall leadership and management of applied research and innovation activities at Olds College with a focus on efficient delivery of high quality applied research projects. He works closely with the Vice President of Research in defining strategic vision and business and operational goals for the Centre to ensure OCCI’s work is aligned with the College’s strategic plan. David brings years of experience in promoting, developing and managing industry-focused applied research activities at colleges and universities in Canada and Qatar. He also worked in entrepreneurial development and has decades of practical on-the-farm experience. David earned a Farming Technology Diploma and B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. He also has a M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Alberta where his research focused on enhancing rural economies through improved trading activities.

Resources
Smart Farm Newsletter
Smart Farm Website
AgSmart Educational Expo
Smart Farm Article
How are Farmers Using Drones
Precision Farming, What is it?

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One of the biggest risks in producing food is the weather. Uncertainty around rain, heat, frost, wind and other weather-related disasters results in a lot of sleepless nights for farmers and ranchers in this country. But what if we take the largest risk out of the equation? Vertical farming has been developing throughout Canada as a method to reduce risk and provide a localized food option for certain products. Alida Burke from Growcer, a Canadian start up modular, vertical farming company, will explain more about how vertical farming fits into our food system.

Host:
Clinton Monchuk grew up on a mixed dairy, beef and grain family farm outside of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor’s 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.
Clinton, Laura and their children Jackson and Katelyn, are active partners on their family grain and layer farm in Saskatchewan and cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

Guest:
Alida Burke, CFO and co-founder, Growcer
Alida Burke is the co-founder and CFO of Growcer, which empowers communities to grow fresh, hyper-local produce year-round through its hydroponic modular farms. She fell into her role as an entrepreneur when she saw the impact the local food makes, but still enjoys working with numbers, by leading Growcer’s operational strategy to support customers growing year-round across the country. When Alida is not managing the behind-the-scenes at Growcer you can find her giving back to her local entrepreneurship community or curled up with a good book.

Resources:
Growcer
Modular Farms article

Episode Credits: Research and writing by Dorothy Long and Penny Eaton, Produced and edited by Angela Larson and Michael Jordon, Music by Andy Ellison-Track title: Gravel Road

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