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 career. In February 2018, Senator Black was summoned to the Senate to represent the province of Ontario.
Black spearheaded the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee’s study on soil health, completed in 2024. In 2025, he tabled Bill S-230, calling for the development of a national soil strategy, which was launched in March 2026 by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. This was the culmination of eight years of ag-vocacy in Canada’s upper chamber.
Black has been recognized for his significant work in the agriculture sector over the years:
· Honourary Member of the Canadian Society of Soil Science (2024)
· Honourary designation of Professional Agrologist by the Ontario Institute of Agrologists (2025)
· Distinguished Service Medal from the International Union of Soil Sciences (2025)
· Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductee (2026)
Brian Treacy, Government and Industry Affairs, Bayer Crop Science
Brian is a molecular biologist by training. He completed his doctorate at the University of Ottawa doing research on canola at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre. Following a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta he joined Ag-West Biotech in Saskatoon. After 12 years in Regulatory Affairs, including 6 years as the Canada Regulatory Lead for Monsanto Canada Brian is currently the Government and Industry Affairs Lead for the Crop Science Division of Bayer Canada Inc.
Christina Stroud, Head Of Corporate Affairs, Syngenta Canada
Christina Stroud is the Head of Corporate Affairs for Syngenta Canada where she leads the government and industry relations, and communication elements of the Syngenta business. Christina sits on the Canadian Territory Leadership Team, and the Canadian Corporate Alignment Team.
As a collaborative and strategic communication professional, Christina effectively advances Syngenta Canada business objectives. She is skilled at building stakeholder relationships and finding opportunities that lead to positive outcomes for the agriculture industry. Before joining Syngenta in 2019, Christina held senior communication and marketing roles within the agriculture sector spanning 25 years. She participates in numerous industry initiatives including CropLife Canada’s Communications Committee, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s Corporate Leaders, and various Canadian Chamber of Commerce committees.
Canadian Canola Growers Association Representative
Bio TBC
OCP NA – Panelist TBC
Bio TBC