This year’s GrowCanada conference comes with a bold message: agriculture’s moment is now.
As global leaders, innovators, and policymakers gather in Calgary, Alta., for the GrowCanada conference from Dec. 2-4, the tone is clear. Canada’s ag sector — already a powerhouse of innovation and resilience — is ready to take its place alongside energy, critical minerals, and AI as a key driver of national economic growth.
“We’re united in our desire to see agriculture front and center in the conversation about growing Canada’s economy,” says Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of CropLife Canada, one of the founding GrowCanada partners. “It’s already a massive contributor to jobs and GDP — but now is the time to truly unleash its full potential.”
From AI to Agtech: Innovation in the Spotlight
The 2025 GrowCanada program is stacked with sessions that tackle some of the most transformative forces shaping the industry. Topics like “Friction by Design” and “Canada’s AI Advantage” set the stage for discussions on how technology — from artificial intelligence to gene editing — can supercharge productivity and sustainability in Canadian agriculture.
Canada, long seen as a pioneer in AI, now faces a challenge: maintaining that lead. Petelle says the same question applies to agriculture.
“We’ve got world-class innovation happening here, but our regulatory systems need to catch up,” he says. “We should be focused on growth — on giving farmers the tools they need to adopt new technologies, and making Canada a global leader in agtech, R&D, and innovation.”
Trade, Trust, and Canada’s Role on the Global Stage
Trade remains a defining issue for Canadian agriculture — and it’s front and centre at GrowCanada. With speakers like former Alberta premier Jason Kenney and leading trade negotiators on the agenda, expect deep dives into how Canada can strengthen its reputation as a reliable, trusted supplier in an unpredictable world.
“As a major exporter, our products feed people around the globe,” Petelle notes. “We can’t control geopolitics, but we can control our own infrastructure, reliability, and regulatory credibility. Those are key to expanding and securing our markets.”
Mental Health: Building Resilience Beyond the Field
Beyond the economics and technology, GrowCanada 2025 also tackles the human side of agriculture. With another year of volatile markets, weather extremes, and global uncertainty, mental health remains a crucial focus.
“This year’s challenges have weighed heavily on growers,” Petelle says. “We wanted to make sure we remind people to take care of themselves and their teams — to build resilience not just in business, but personally too.”
Telling Canada’s Story
One highlight sure to draw attention: Mike Downie, filmmaker and storyteller — and brother of the late Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie — will take the stage to explore the power of narrative and the importance of telling Canada’s story to the world.
It’s a fitting addition for a conference that’s as much about identity as it is about innovation.
“We want people to leave excited about the sector,” Petelle says. “Canada has the research strength, the talent, and the farmers willing to try new ideas. The ecosystem is here — it’s time to meet the moment.”
To get more info and to register, visit the GrowCanada website.
