We’re excited to share that Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C) has been awarded nearly $16.3M under the federal Lab to Market initiative. This investment recognizes the strength of our growing national network — one that brings together leading universities, colleges, Indigenous organizations, industry partners, and innovation hubs to train the next generation of food and agriculture entrepreneurs.

Led by the University of Guelph, with co-directors Dr.Evan Fraser of the Arrell Food Institute, and Dr. Lenore Newman, director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley in B.C, SF4C is already making an impact by connecting experts across Canada and reducing barriers to learning and business growth. With nodes spanning experiential learning, Indigenous leadership, francophone collaboration, and innovation, the network is positioned to drive meaningful solutions for food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.

AFI Director, Evan Fraser alongside a group of students.

“Current methods of food production are insufficient to meet increasing global demand and to mitigate the effects of climate change,” says Fraser. “Moreover, innovation is not a subset of the agricultural sector, it is a requirement for modern growers, producers, and processors. At the heart of SF4C is driven by a philosophy to nurture business-minded research and develop a Canadian base of educated innovators who will bring as many solutions as possible to the market.”

This support helps us expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and equip innovators with the skills needed to transform Canada’s food future. We’re proud to see the momentum building and are excited to keep growing together.

👉 Read the full announcement from the Arrell Food Institute.