This panel explores how Canadian agriculture can align environmental stewardship with farm‑level profitability. The panel will examine how sustainable practices such as soil health management, efficient input use, and innovation driven by data and technology, can reduce risk and unlock new economic opportunities. The discussion will challenge the notion that sustainability and profitability are at odds, and instead show how they can reinforce one another across Canada’s agri‑food system.
Senator Rob Black – Moderator
The Honourable Rob Black, P. Ag. (Hon.) has worked in the rural, agricultural, and leadership arenas for much of his working career with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), 4-H Ontario, the Ontario Soybean Growers, The Centre for Rural Leadership and the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI).
Since February 27, 2018, Rob has been working on several issues of importance to Canadians related to agriculture, rural communities and youth leadership in his role as a senator. Rob previously served as the Chair of the Canadian Senators Group (CSG) from its inception in 2019 until October 2023. Rob also held the position of Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry from 2022 to 2026 when he stepped down after stepping into the role of Deputy Leader of the Canadian Senators Group in January 2026.
Andre Harpe, Chair, Canadian Canola Growers Association
Bio TBC
Christina Stroud, Head Of Corporate Affairs, Syngenta Canada
Bio TBC
Panelist TBC