May 22nd, 2024 at 12:00 - 5:00 PM
cSPACE Marda Loop, 125-1721 29th Avenue SW, Calgary
Free Parking is Available
Agri-food Speakers
Bianca Parsons - Alberta Food Producers Association (AFPA)
Bianca Parsons is a tireless advocate for Alberta's food and beverage industry, spearheading the Alberta Food Producers Association (AFPA), which oversees the $15 billion sector. Collaborating closely with companies, she champions growth initiatives like co-packing and promotes local producers through Made in Alberta, a buy-local program designed to help consumers support Alberta producers. Her advocacy efforts, connected with her role as a board member of Food and Beverage Canada, extend to all levels of government, fostering national collaboration and lobbying for supportive policies. Programs such as AB Food Connect and Food Futures provide vital support for companies and students, while AFPA's focus remains on safety, marketing, and regulatory compliance.
Connect with Bianca: Website: https://afpa.com/ - LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/bianca-jade-parsons-66916168
Carlos Santos - NuLeaf Farms
Carlos has over 25 years of experience in various industries, including energy and utilities, retail, and logistics. He started his career in the late 90s with an 8-year stay in Asia, helping start-up and mid-size companies grow internationally. Since coming to Calgary, Carlos has been working mainly in business development with technology solutions, including engineering, automation, data and analytics, and software applications. Carlos has a successful history of leading teams, developing new markets, and working with customers to meet business objectives, and is especially interested in innovation as a core organizational competency. At NuLeaf Farms, we're growing the next generation of farmers. Combining plant science and technology we deliver all in one hydroponic farm to help businesses and communities reduce food costs, help the environment and increase food security. From our state-of-the-art facility in Calgary, Alberta, we provide indoor farming solutions tailored to grow affordable, fresh produce all year round. Helping customers grow their own nutritious food on site while saving over 50% of the cost of food and saving up to 95% less water and land, food waste, pesticides and transportation used in traditional supply chains. To help address drought and soil issues for cattle and other animal operations, we’ve also developed feed systems that efficiently produce feed and help farmers reduce costs. With post project support through training and support programs and onsite training, NuLeaf Farms takes every customer from seed to success.
Connect with Carlos: Website: https://nuleaffarms.ca/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-m-santos-9339b545
Mackenzie Argent - Third Generation Cattle Rancher
Mackenzie Argent is a third-generation cattle rancher and passionate advocate of agriculture from Cremona, Alberta. Alongside her parents, grandparents and two siblings, Mackenzie is an active owner and operator of their beef cattle ranch, managing a commercial cow herd, and small backgrounding feedlot. In addition to her responsibilities on the farm, Mackenzie has developed a career in agriculture-focused marketing and communications, currently holding the role of Account Manager at AdFarm Canada. Although Mackenzie's interest in beef production was initially sparked as a producer, she also holds a diploma in Agricultural Management with a major in Marketing and Communications from Olds College. As a 2020 graduate from the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program, Mackenzie has been privileged to work on a number of exciting projects advancing the agriculture industry, including a personalized tour with environmentalist Steven Lee, active participation as a Next Generation delegate with the Global Agenda For Livestock Sustainability, and a Canadian Cattle Young Leaders mentorship with Nicole Zeni, Director of Strategic Alignment at McDonalds.
Connect with Mackenzie: Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/Kennziee - LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-argent-994412142
