Industry Day & AGM

Craig leads economic analysis that informs strategy and risk management across the corporation. He is also a key FCC spokesperson, providing insights on the agriculture and food industry and the macroeconomy.

​Prior to joining FCC, Craig led the commodities division at the Bank of Canada. He was also an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and lectured in economics at the University of Victoria. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Victoria, with a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University.

Keynote Speaker Sponsorship: FCC

In her role, Kristy understands that to thrive, workers need to be supported by an integrated approach that considers both physical and psychological safety.

Kristy is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor (CMHA). She continues to advance her education, pursuing a Degree in Psychology through Athabasca University. Seeing the positive impact of her work, reducing the risk of mental harm for workers, is what keeps her motivated and inspired.

​This session delivers mental health and wellness strategies tailored to the meat processing industry. Attendees will participate in meaningful discussions and gain practical tools to support workplace well-being. By prioritizing mental health, businesses can strengthen employee morale, engagement, and productivity while building more resilient teams.

​Maureen Kirkpatrick is Director of National Foodraising at Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization. In her role, Maureen works with food businesses across the supply chain to help recover surplus food and connect it with front-line charities and community partners. Her work focuses on building awareness and donor support to keep good food where it belongs: on plates and out of landfills.

Second Harvest will focus on their mission to rescue surplus food, combat food waste (a $58 billion problem in Canada), and fight hunger through national food redistribution, advocacy, and research, highlighting key findings from studies like “The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste.”  

Dr. Vidushi Agarwal is a postdoctoral researcher associated with the Cyber Science Lab at the University of Guelph, where she contributes to research in cybersecurity. She works alongside experts in cybersecurity science to support initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing cyber threats.

The Cyber Science Lab (CSL), based at the University of Guelph, is dedicated to enhancing the security of Canada’s agricultural systems. As technological advancements drive efficiency and innovation in agriculture, the sector also becomes increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats such as data breaches, ransomware, and operational disruptions. The presentation will cover work the CSL lab has done to protect agricultural systems and seek input from attendees on how they support farmers and agribusinesses in better preparing for cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure that supports the nation’s food supply.  

Hussam is a Partner with MNP’s Consulting Services team in Mississauga and the firm’s National Value Creation Leader for Consulting. He provides customized, practical solutions to his clients, helping them implement management systems that position their businesses for transformation, growth, and profitability. Hussam helps organizations improve their top and bottom lines by establishing management systems that enable operations to run more efficiently, effectively, and independently.

AI is moving fast, and this panel breaks down what it means for meat processing – from operational efficiency and inventory management to costing, supply chain coordination, pricing and more. Panelists will explore where AI is already being applied in livestock and beyond the plant, along with additional opportunities for processors. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of tools, costs, practical use cases, and the direction AI is taking within the industry.

Panelists:  

• Vishen Maharaj, Director of AI & Machine Learning, MNP
• Kelly Somerville, CEO, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC)
• Darren Telepanich, General Manager, Domingos Meats