Dr. Sylvain Charlebois

Food security expert Dr. Sylvain Charlebois offers up some food for thought on the future of Canadian agriculture. Charlebois delves into the Canadian Food Guide produced by Health Canada and details the changes to the guide and what it means for rural and urban consumers. He also tackles the current trends that are plant-based protein, the future of single-use plastic and, let’s not forget, the new opportunities edibles will offer.

Food fraud is a serious and growing problem that if left unchecked will undermine food safety systems worldwide. Gain insight into the scope of this issue and what is being done to stop it both domestically and internationally.

Walk away with a heightened understanding of the urgency of this issue so you can:
• Develop and incorporate food fraud detection into your food safety system
• Get your suppliers onside to ensure their products are fraud-free
• Encourage government to apply greater resources to this issue so Canada’s food safety system is not undermined

Cannabis infused food and beverages will be legal in Canada as soon as October 2019. In his session, Dr. Charlebois will look at how these amendments to the Cannabis Act will impact the food industry. Supported by data gathered through Dalhousie University consumers and industry surveys, you’ll get away with all relevant information: from food trends of cannabis-infused edibles to consumers readiness, opportunities, challenges and risk factors with US trade.

The Rise of the Conscious Carnivore? The Good, the Bad, and the Awfully Ugly
For years, voluntarily committing to a special diet was a tacit choice. It appears these choices are now allowing a growing collective to go on the offensive. Estimates from a recent wide-ranging Dalhousie University study suggest that Canada harbours more than 2.3 million vegetarians, and upwards of 850,000 vegans. The number of vegetarians in Canada is almost equivalent to the population of Montréal, one of Canada’s largest cities. So, what’s going on? The meat industry is certainly being challenged these days by more activists advocating against meat consumption. Some are suggesting we ban meat consumption altogether. Still, meat does have a future, but it’s getting complicated out there.

For years, voluntarily committing to a special diet was a tacit choice. It appears these choices are now allowing a growing collective to go on the offensive. Estimates from a recent wide-ranging Dalhousie University study suggest that Canada harbours more than 2.3 million vegetarians, and upwards of 850,000 vegans. The number of vegetarians in Canada is almost equivalent to the population of Montréal, one of Canada’s largest cities. So, what’s going on? The meat industry is certainly being challenged these days by more activists advocating against meat consumption. Some are suggesting we ban meat consumption altogether. Still, meat does have a future, but it’s getting complicated out there.