Date: June 10–11, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta
Canada’s agriculture and food and beverage manufacturing sectors are in a period of transformation. Rapid advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies are changing how food is produced and processed. At the same time, geopolitical shifts, evolving trade dynamics, and increasing competition for talent across Canada’s economy are placing new pressures on the sector’s workforce.
The Annual National Agriculture and Food Workforce Summit will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, educators, and employers from across the country to advance solutions that strengthen Canada’s agri-food workforce.
The summit will build on the priorities outlined in the National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food & Beverage Manufacturing, focusing on how stakeholders can work together to implement the plan and ensure the sector has the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global environment.
Through expert panels, industry insights, and collaborative dialogue, participants will explore practical strategies to address labour shortages, accelerate skills development, support workforce access, and prepare for the impact of emerging technologies.
By bringing together voices from across the agri-food ecosystem, the summit will help drive coordinated action to ensure Canada’s agriculture and food manufacturing sectors have the people, skills, and workforce solutions needed to support food security, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
A block of rooms has been reserved at Marriot Bonvoy at a preferred rate for summit participants. Book your room here.
Day 1 – Setting the Context & Exploring Solutions
8:00 AM | Opening Remarks and Words of Welcome
8:05 AM | National Workforce Strategic Plan – Progress Update
8:30 AM | NWSP Networking Rotation Sessions
9:30 AM | Canada’s Economic Reality and Workforce Implications
10:30 AM | Break
10:45 AM | Learning from Other Industries Panel
11:30 AM | Building Infrastructure to Support Workforces – Panel
12:30 PM | Lunch
1:30 PM | AI, Automation, and Technology’s Impact on the Workforce
2:15 PM | Skills Development Across the Pipeline – Panel
3:00 PM | Break
3:15 PM | Developing the Future – Innovation and Entrepreneurship Panel
4:00 PM | Day 1 Synthesis and Looking Ahead
5:00 PM | Networking Reception
Day 2 – Evidence, Labour Supply & Action
8:00 AM | Welcome, Day 1 Recap and Day 2 Kick Off
8:15 AM | Developing the Workforce – Attracting and Retaining – Panel
9:00 AM | Labour Supply – Foreign Workers Panel
9:45 AM | HR Trends and Workplace Culture – Panel
10:30 AM | Break
10:45 AM | Action Session – Prioritizing the Path Forward
11:45 AM | Day 2 Recap and Closing Remarks
12:00 PM | Lunch