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.
Brenna Mahoney, Manager of Public & Government Affairs, BASF – Moderator
Brenna Mahoney is the Manager of Public and Government Affairs at BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada Inc., where she works at the intersection of agriculture, policy, sustainability, and public trust. In this role, she leads strategic engagement with governments, industry partners, and stakeholders to advance innovation, competitiveness, and long-term resilience across Canada’s agricultural sector.
Previously, Brenna served as General Manager of Keystone Agricultural Producers, where she focused on strengthening Manitoba’s primary agriculture advocacy capacity through strong governance, member engagement, effective communications, and consensus building across diverse perspectives. She has contributed to and led national collaborations focused on market access, sustainability, public trust, and advancing Canadian agriculture domestically and internationally. Brenna currently serves as Vice Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association. She holds a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba and a Human Resource Management certificate from Red River College.
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.
Jaye Atkins, Chief Executive Officer – Agricultural Credit Corporation
Jaye grew up on a family farm in southern Ontario close to where he resides today. He attended Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology, the University of Western Ontario where he obtained a degree in Economics, and has also attended and completed programs at the Banff School of Management and the University of Missouri. Jaye has held senior positions in a number of companies including National Director of Marketing for Farm Credit Corporation, CEO of the Ontario Wheat Producers Marketing Board, CEO of FS PARTNERS , and for the last 15 years, Jaye has held the position of CEO for Agricultural Credit Corporation, the second largest administrator of the Advance Payment Program in Canada. Jaye has held numerous directorships and holds designations as a certified appraiser and the highest designation granted as a professional Agrologist – PAg Distinguished.
Kurt Buehler, Group President at Linamar Agriculture (MacDon Industries Ltd.) – Representing the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Kurt Buehler is President of Linamar Agriculture and Group President of MacDon Industries, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He leads a global portfolio of leading agricultural equipment brands focused on helping farmers maximize productivity through innovation, product excellence, and strong customer relationships. Linamar Agriculture’s core brands include globally recognized short-line manufacturers such as MacDon, Bourgault, and Salford.
Kurt has held leadership roles spanning engineering, operations, strategy, and executive management, including international assignments. After a 10-year career in aerospace, he joined the agricultural industry in 2008 and has since helped build world-class equipment businesses that support farmers in feeding a growing global population. He is passionate about building a better future through respect, teamwork, people development, and decisive action.
Kurt holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Ancient History and Civilization from the University of Calgary, as well as an MBA from the Asper School of Business. He serves on the Ag Sector Board of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the Manitoba Board of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and Manitoba Premier’s Business and Jobs Council. He also volunteers on the Olympic Oval Athlete Bursary selection committee, supporting high-performance athletes on their development pathway.