This panel examines how innovation is shaping the next generation of Canada’s agri‑food system. The panel will explore how advances in technology, research and policy are driving productivity and competitiveness. The discussion will highlight how strategic investments in innovation can help Canadian agriculture meet evolving economic, environmental, and consumer demands—while positioning the sector for long‑term growth.
Darrell Petras, CEO, Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network
Darrell is a business development and technology transfer leader with nearly two decades of experience facilitating the commercialization of innovation and managing innovation-based businesses. Much of his career has focused on realizing economic value from innovation generated by universities and private companies working in all facets of the agricultural, energy, IT, and health sectors. Commercial success includes partnerships related to energy distribution, communication technologies, newly registered plant varieties, clean technology, and animal health. Numerous closed commercial deals have generated a strong return on investment for stakeholders, including start-ups and multinational companies.
As a founder, business owner, and business coach with years of experience as a service provider focused on growing start-ups, Darrell has extensive knowledge of programs that accelerate the development of early and growth-stage companies.
Keisha Rose, President, Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture
Keisha Rose Topic works on her Family’s 6th generation potato farm, R.A Rose and Sons Ltd, and at family-owned potato packing facility, East Point Potato, in Eastern Kings, PEI. She graduated from University of Prince Edward Island in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Keisha was raised in North Lake, and still lives there today with her Husband, two little girls, Mae and Tilly, and newborn son Dean. Keisha has been on the Board of Directors of the PEIFA since 2017.
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.
Jaye Atkins, Chief Executive Officer, Agricultural Credit Corporation
Panelist TBC