The Agricultural Genomics Action Centre (AG-ACt) is proud to co-host the upcoming Cultivating Resilience Summit: Advancing Climate-Smart Agri-Food on October 27–28, 2025 in Vancouver, alongside the BC Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), the BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network (BCACARN), and SFU Public Square. This two-day event will bring together researchers, policy leaders, producers, and innovators from across Canada’s agri-food system to explore how we can work collectively to build more climate-smart, equitable, and resilient food systems.
Learn more and register here: Cultivating Resilience Summit Website
Why Cultivating Resilience Matters
As climate change intensifies, Canadian agriculture is at a crossroads. How we respond today, through research, innovation, and collaboration, will shape the resilience of our food systems for generations. The Cultivating Resilience Summit is designed to connect knowledge with action, creating space for dialogue across disciplines, regions, and sectors.
The agenda includes keynotes, workshops, panels, and interactive dialogues that dig into the urgent challenges and opportunities at the heart of food system transformation. Attendees will gain cross-sector insights and engage with forward-thinking approaches to shape the future of agri-food through a climate-smart lens.
Summit Highlights
Day 1: Knowledge
Keynote by Dr. Tammara Soma
A thought-provoking address on equity in food systems and bold pathways toward resilience
Interactive Dialogue: What does "Climate-smart" really mean?
Perspectives from across Canada - moderated by David McInnes with active audience participation
Workshop: Land, Seeds, & Sovereignty
Dr. Tabitha Robin explores Indigenous-led approaches to food sovereignty and climate-smart agriculture
Graduate Student Lightning Talks
Facilitated by Dr. Laine Young (AG-ACt), this session spotlights the next generation of agri-food researchers tackling challenges from equity to technology
Reimagining Agricultural Futures
A look at how emerging technologies like vertical and cellular agriculture are reshaping sustainability and food security
Networking Reception + Poster Session
An evening of knowledge exchange and connection featuring posters and infographics from students and early-career researchers
Day 2: Action
Reverse Pitch
This session flips the traditional model of innovation. Instead of entrepreneurs pitching their solutions, producers, processers, logistics providers, retailers, and community leaders will pitch their real-world challenges to a panel of researchers, technologists, startups, and ecosystem supporters
Knowledge Synthesis Workshop
Practical strategies for turning evidence into action
Political, Social, & Economic Dimensions of Climate-Smart Agriculture
Exploring the barriers and opportunities shaping adoption across Canada
Climate-Smart Agriculture & Food Systems Portfolio Session
Featuring presentations from Genome Canada's Interdisciplinary Challenge Teams in the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative
Spotlight on HQP Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects of the Cultivating Resilience Summit is the platform it creates for Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) — the graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals driving innovation in Canada’s agri-food sector.
Graduate Student Lightning Talks
...will showcase rapid-fire presentations from students across disciplines, giving attendees a window into the cutting-edge research shaping the future of resilient food systems.
Poster & Infographic Presentations
...during the Networking Reception, will highlight creative, visual storytelling from HQP, with opportunities for attendees to connect directly with presenters and learn more about their work.
These sessions not only provide valuable professional development for HQP but also give conference participants the chance to engage with the next generation of leaders in agricultural research and innovation.
AG-ACt's Role
At AG-ACt, we are committed to advancing genomics-based research and knowledge mobilization to support Canada’s transition toward climate-smart agriculture. Through our involvement in the Summit, we’re excited to:
- Highlight cutting-edge student research shaping the future of agri-food innovation
- Share outcomes from the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative, funded by Genome Canada
- Foster connections across disciplines and regions to accelerate impact
Join us!
The Cultivating Resilience Summit is more than an event, it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and co-create solutions for Canada’s agri-food future. Whether you are a producer, researcher, policymaker, student, or community leader, your voice is essential in shaping pathways to resilience.
Register today: Cultivating Resilience Summit
We look forward to seeing you there!
The AG-ACt Team