About Food Forward

Food Forward is Atlantic Canada’s flagship conference on food innovation and food security. Each year, we bring together community leaders, students, founders, policy makers, and industry partners to imagine what a more equitable food system can look like.

In 2026, we are building on the momentum of past years to grow the impact of our innovation challenge, student programs, and community partnerships across the region.

Discover Food Forward 2026

FOOD Forward 2025 was proudly supported by The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada.

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  • 👥 1,500+ Youth Reached

    Across workshops, mentorship, and innovation challenges.

  • 🌐 600K+ Digital Impressions

    Engagement across social, email, and event platforms.

  • 📰 6.8M+ Media Reach

    Featured by CBC, VOCM, The Telegram & more.

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Past key themes at Food Forward

Roots

Roots of Farming: Tradition to Technology

Exploring the roots and future of food systems, from Indigenous traditions and local networks to modern precision agriculture.

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Flow

Flow: Connecting Climate, Policy, and Supply Chains for Sustainable Food Systems

Global strategies for resilient and sustainable food systems amid climate, policy, and resource challenges.

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Ignite

Ignite the Future of Food: Innovations, AI, and Startup Disruptors

Innovation and investment in AI-driven agri-tech, biotech, and future food systems shaping sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

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Catalyst

Catalysts of Change: Empowering Leaders Shaping an Inclusive Food Future

Advancing inclusive youth leadership, skills, and cross-sector collaboration to build equitable and innovative agri-food systems.

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Organizations that helped make Food Forward possible

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