This panel examines how regulatory efficiency can strengthen the competitiveness of Canada’s agri‑food sector. The panel will explore how duplicative, outdated, or slow regulatory processes impact innovation, investment, and market access—from farm operations to processing and export. Panelists will discuss opportunities to modernize regulations, improve coordination across jurisdictions, and reduce administrative burden.
Kinga Loewen – Senior Government and Industry Affairs Analyst, Nutrien – Moderator
Kinga Loewen is a Senior Government and Industry Affairs Analyst at Nutrien. She drives strategic engagement with federal and provincial policymakers and builds strong networks across the value chain, fostering collaboration with growers, industry partners, and community stakeholders. Prior to joining Nutrien, Kinga led policy development at Grain Growers of Canada. Living in communities across Western Canada, Kinga’s career spans working with growers in agtech, supporting ag clients through consulting, and through political roles at both provincial and federal levels. Kinga holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Public Policy.
Pierre Petelle, President and CEO – CropLife Canada
Pierre Petelle is the president and CEO of CropLife Canada, the trade association that represents the Canadian manufacturers, developers and distributors of pest control products and plants with novel traits. Pierre joined CropLife Canada in 2008 and is now responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the association. Prior to joining CropLife Canada, Pierre worked in the policy office at Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency where he worked on a wide range of issues relevant to Canada’s plant science industry. Pierre holds degrees from Carleton University and the University of Guelph.
Colin Deacon, Senate of Canada
The Honourable Colin Deacon’s entrepreneurial background brings a unique perspective to Canada’s Upper Chamber. Before his June 2018 appointment to the Senate as an Independent Senator representing Nova Scotia, Senator Deacon spent much of his career turning ideas into organizations, products and services that improve lives.
As part of the Senate, he has been a strong advocate for entrepreneurs, harnessing the digital economy, updating Canada’s privacy legislation, ensuring global competitiveness of Canadian firms, and promoting Canadian leadership on climate change.
Senator Deacon is the Deputy Chair of the Senate Standing Committees on Fisheries and Oceans, and on Audit and Oversight.
Mia Parker, Director Environmental Performance & Certification – Mowi Canada West
Mia Parker, BSc (Hons), MBA is Director of Environmental Performance and Certification at Mowi Canada West. With more than 20 years of experience in fisheries and aquaculture, she specializes in environmental regulatory management, sustainability, and science-based policy development.
At Mowi Canada West, Mia leads environmental monitoring and compliance across marine, freshwater, and processing operations, while advancing innovative monitoring practices and regulatory initiatives. She works closely with communities, researchers, and regulators to support informed, science-driven decision-making.
Before joining Mowi in 2020, Mia held senior roles with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including leading the co-development of Arctic fisheries regulations with Inuit organizations and advising on Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. She also has a background in aquaculture research and science advisory processes.
Mia is known for her practical, collaborative approach to complex environmental and policy challenges.
Darren Dillenbeck, Lead, Crop Protection – Corteva Agriscience
Darren has deep crop protection leadership experience and a strong connection to the Canadian market. In his 25 plus years in agriculture, he has been recognized for building high-performing teams and winning cultures that are grounded in clear expectations, accountability and strong commercial discipline. Darren has led transformations in strategy, portfolio focus, route-to-market and planning processes—strengthening execution while improving engagement and talent outcomes.
Darren’s career includes leadership roles across several ag companies. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of BW Fusion, a bio-nutrition company where he set strategy and helped scale the organization for future growth. Prior to that, Darren held senior roles with FMC, including leading its Canada business, serving as president of its U.S. business and serving as vice president of its North America region. Darren also spent 19 years with Corteva and Dow Agrosciences Canada in various leadership roles and served as chair of CropLife America.