About Food Forward
Launched at the height of the pandemic, our flagship conference has evolved over 5 years into one of Canada’s most future-focused gatherings on food justice, technology, and resilient communities.
Food Forward will bring together diverse voices — from grassroots organizers to agritech innovators — to spark ideas, ignite action, and shape the future of food.
Our Impact at a Glance
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👥 1,500+ Youth Reached
Across workshops, mentorship, and innovation challenges.
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🌐 600K+ Digital Impressions
Engagement across social, email, and event platforms.
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📰 6.8M+ Media Reach
Featured by CBC, VOCM, The Telegram & more.
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Professional Pass
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Student Pass
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Innovation Challenge Pass
Backed by Leaders. Powered by Community.
Food Forward is supported by leaders across government, academia, and industry — and powered by a vibrant community of youth, innovators, and changemakers.
A key feature of this year’s event is the national Innovation Challenge, where bold ideas meet real-world impact. From agritech to food justice, students and early-career visionaries will pitch solutions for a more resilient food future.
WE'RE EXCITED TO COMBINE PERSPECTIVES ON THIS YEAR'S KEY THEMES
Smart & Sustainable Agriculture
Innovation & Emerging Tech
Youth Leadership & Workforce Futures
Policy, Equity & Resilience
Tentative Agenda
Registration and Light Breakfast
Speaker Session 1, Speaker Session 2, Speaker Session 3
Fireside Chat
Speaker Session 4, Speaker Session 5
Lunch, Exhibitor's Fair, Entrepreneurship Workshop
Co-Speaker Session
Co-Speaker Session
Day 1 Ends
Registration and Light Breakfast
Speaker Session 1, Speaker Session 2, Speaker Session 3, Virtual Speaker Session 4
Keynote Speaker Session, Speaker Session 5, Speaker Session 6
Lunch, Exhibitor's Fair, Entrepreneurship and Mental Health Workshop
Keynote Speaker Session
NL Eats R2ASP Launch Ceremony
Innovation Challenge Presentations
Virtual Fireside Chat
Innovation Challenge Awards Ceremony
Day 2 Ends
Real Voices. Real Impact.
"Food is being wasted and yet - everyday people are going hungry. We're trying to bridge the gap - while providing food is a temporary bandaid there are more deeply rooted policy changes that need to happen."
Head of NL Operations at SecondHarvest Food Rescue
“58% of all the food produced for Canadians is lost or wasted. That's enough to feed every Canadian for four or five months.”
CEO at Second Harvest
"Once the full extent of our 2020 and 2021 data is brought into context I anticipate that we'll see some severe challenges. I expect we'll see more people move into a state of food insecurity for the first time and those already experiencing it will face more intense levels of it."
CEO of FoodFirstNL
"There is a need to extend community support to our local entrepreneurs whichever step of their journey they're in and regardless of where they're located in our province. We're here to help how and when we can."
Senior Business Consultant at YMCA NL ( Employment, Enterprise and Newcomer Services)
We can leverage the creation of food to help people from a food security perspective. There's many intersecting benefits to this meaningful work, as it has the opportunity to instill life skills and employability skills in a positive, affirming environment
Operations at Stella's Circle
“We can do so much more in terms of our independence in our production. We were independent in terms of food production in the past. The reality is that we are in a new age in terms of the possibilities and the very real solutions to many of our problems are going to come through technology.“
Minister of Fisheries
Spotlight on Our 2025 Speakers
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Johanna Rauberger
Learn MoreM.Sc. Data Science in Agriculture, Food, Forest and Environment, Instituto Superior de Agronomia (Portugal)
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Mehnaz Tabassum
Learn MoreCEO, CogniCo AI Consulting & Executive Director of Operations and Partnerships, NL Eats
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The Honourable Heath MacDonald
Learn MoreMember of Parliament - House of Commons of Canada
Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food (Government of Canada)
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1. What is FOOD FORWARD 2025?
FOOD FORWARD 2025 is NL Eats' flagship food systems innovation conference happening on September 12–13, 2025 in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador. The event brings together thought leaders in food security, agriculture, technology, and public health to inspire innovation, collaboration, and community action.
2. Who is the conference for?
FOOD FORWARD 2025 is designed for professionals, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, government officials, and community leaders working in or interested in food systems, sustainability, technology, public health, agriculture, and social innovation.
3. Where is the conference taking place?
The conference will take place in downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland. The exact venue and parking details will be shared with ticket holders in advance.
4. Are meals included with the ticket?
Yes! Light refreshments, coffee/tea, and a light lunch will be provided on both days. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated — you’ll have a chance to indicate preferences during registration.
5. What kinds of sessions or topics can I expect?
*Attendees can expect panels, workshops, and keynotes on topics such as:
Food security and innovation
Agri-tech and climate-smart farming
Indigenous and community-led food systems
Youth leadership in food justice
Public policy and food access*
6. Can I attend virtually if I’m not in St. John’s?
The conference is in-person only. However, select sessions may be recorded and made available afterward for registered attendees.
7. Is there a refund policy?
Tickets are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
8. Is there accommodation for those who need it?
Yes, Our Official Accommodation Partner is Delta St John's and you can use this link to book our preferred rate: Official Accommodation Partner: Delta St John's Booking Information:
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1750781069825&key=GRP&app=resvlink
9. I am interested in sending my employees, how can I do this?
Please get in touch with Fatima Malik, Event Producer at events@nleats.ca to discuss how your employees can benefit from attendance at FOOD Forward 2025
10. I'm interested in Sponsoring the event, how can I do this?
Please get in touch with Fatima Malik, Event Producer at events@nleats.ca to discuss speaking opportunities for this conference series in 2025 and beyond.
