February 10, 2025
Welcome to Seeding New Ground - CANZA's Vision in Action. Whether you've joined us for our live event or are watching the recording, thank you for your interest in CANZA's work. Below you'll find the details of our event, including the Agenda and speaker bios.
Welcome Remarks – John Stackhouse
Reflection & Program Update – Nick Betts
Exciting Project Announcement – Tracey Ryan, Kathleen Sullivan, and Tim Faveri
Panel Discussion – Building Resilience Through Collaboration
Featuring: Lara Fabiano, Tim Faveri, Evan Fraser, Kathleen Sullivan, Barb Swartzentruber, and Neil Wiens
Closing Remarks – John Stackhouse
Nick Betts, Managing Director, CANZA
Nick is the inaugural Managing Director for the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food. With a background spanning roles in farm associations, agricultural ministries, international industry associations, and global climate consulting, Nick’s unique perspective and experiences catalyze innovative and implementable solutions from boots to boardroom.
Lara Fabiano, Environmental Advisor, Metro
Lara Fabiano is an Environmental Advisor at Metro Inc., focusing on innovative ways to reduce food waste and advancing GHG reduction efforts in agriculture (FLAG). With a background in food studies and sustainable development, she believes food is key to building climate-resilient communities.
Tim Faveri, Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations, Nutrien
Tim is the Vice President, Global Sustainability at Nutrien Inc. Nutrien is the world's largest provider of crop inputs and services. In his role, Tim provides strategic leadership for Nutrien’s global sustainability strategy and oversight of key environmental and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Evan Fraser, Executive Director, Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph
Evan is Director of Arrell Food Institute. He is an award-winning author, with five books, over 150 academic publications, and opinion editorials that have appeared on CNN, the Guardian, and all major Canadian media outlets. As one of Canada’s most cited academics working on the future of food, sustainability, and climate change, he is a sought after expert and speaker and works with communities, the corporate sector, the Federal Government of Canada, and the United Nations.
Tracey Ryan, Project Director, CANZA
Tracey is the Project Director, Innovation Workstream for the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food. She is an experienced leader and connector with numerous years of success in program development, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship at the local and provincial level. Her passion for bringing people together to drive sustainable agricultural practices and environmental outcomes is reflected in the successful Rural Water Quality Program and Living Lab - Ontario.
John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President, RBC
John is the Senior Vice President, Office of the CEO, for the Royal Bank of Canada. He heads RBC’s Economics and Thought Leadership group, leading the organization’s work on economic, technological and social issues. He also heads the new RBC Climate Action Institute, which aims to inform and inspire Canadians on pathways to net zero. John is an internationally recognized author and speaker on a range of issues and events.
Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods
Kathleen joined Maple Leaf Foods in 2023 as Vice President, Government and Industry Relations. She has 30 years of government, advocacy, and food sector experience. Kathleen has led several industry organizations, including Food and Beverage Canada, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, and the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada and spent three years in the Ontario government as an advisor to the Minister of Education and in the Cabinet Office.
Barb Swartzentruber, Senior Advisor, CANZA
Barb is Senior Fellow at the Smart Prosperity Institute and Senior Advisor at the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food. She works as a strategist, catalyst, and connector with government, businesses, and communities to respond to urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Neil Wiens, CEO and CTO of Replenish Nutrients Ltd.
Neil is the Founder of Replenish Nutrients and a serial entrepreneur with a career spanning over 20 years, including the successful sale of previous businesses. Mr. Wiens has extensive background and experience with businesses that transform nutrient recovery from organic and mineral waste products into valuable agricultural products. Mr. Wiens has served on the Recycling Council of Alberta and was a member of the Compost Council of Canada. Mr. Wiens holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. He currently sits as CEO and CTO of Replenish Nutrients Ltd.
