More than 270 producers, industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and investors gathered in Winnipeg on November 5, 2026 for EMILI’s seventh annual conference.
Marking 10 years of agriculture innovation at EMILI, this year’s conference brought together voices from across Canada’s agriculture and agtech ecosystem to explore the ideas, technologies, and partnerships shaping the sector’s future.
Through a full day of conversations spanning on-farm trials, investment, manufacturing, global competitiveness, and the evolving agri-food value chain, attendees heard from 31 speakers on the opportunities and challenges facing Canadian agriculture.
From practical insights shared by farmers to discussions on scaling businesses and strengthening Canada’s position in global markets, Agriculture Enlightened 2026 highlighted the people and ideas helping move agriculture innovation forward.
Left to right: Bram Strain in conversation with Gary Doer; and Ray Bouchard, Bram Strain, Gary Doer, and Jacqueline Keena
The day included a much anticipated and very timely discussion on Canada’s competitive position and the opportunities ahead for its agriculture sector. Gary Doer, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States and former Premier of Manitoba, joined Bram Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba, to share perspectives shaped by their experience in politics, international diplomacy, and business leadership.
The conversation highlighted agriculture’s importance to Canada’s economy and the role of strong communities, industry, and international relationships in supporting its future.
“Agriculture remains one of the top economic engines in Canada… It starts with the communities where farmers are producing the food,” said Doer.
Connor Entz, Darren Anderson, Peter Frey, Katie Friesen in conversation with Chelsea Platzke
Turning new ideas into practical agricultural solutions takes more than innovation alone. In Proof in the Field: Scaling Agtech Through Farm Trials, panelists explore the role of on-farm testing, collaboration, and real-world validation in helping agtech companies refine their technologies and bring solutions to market.
The discussion emphasized the value of learning through experience, including recognizing setbacks as opportunities to improve and grow.
Left to right: Connor Entz, Peter Frey, Katie Friesen, and Chelsea Platzke
Canada’s agricultural competitiveness depends on more than what happens on the farm. From Farm Gates to Global Markets: Building Competitive Canadian Agriculture explored the connections between producers, industry, and global markets, considering how innovation and collaboration across the agri-food value chain can help strengthen Canada’s position internationally.
Left to right: Tyler Groeneveld, Hailey Jefferies, Leif Carlson, and Elisabeth Saftiuk
Farmers are essential partners in the development and adoption of agricultural technologies. In Field Tested: Real-World Farmers Testing Real-World Solutions, panelists Carl Havixbeck of AIVA Network, Holly Johnson of Pitura Seeds, Mark Keating of Keating Seed Farms Ltd., and Rick Rutherford of Rutherford Farms shared firsthand perspectives on testing new technologies in real farm environments.
The discussion underscored the importance of understanding producers’ needs, gathering meaningful data, and helping farmers assess new solutions with confidence.
Left to right: Rick Rutherford, Holly Johnson, Carl Havixbeck, Alicia Demanuele
As agriculture businesses navigate changing markets and new challenges, innovation remains an important driver of growth and resilience. In Growing What’s Next: Innovation, Investment, and the Future of Ag, panelists explored how Canadian companies are adapting to uncertainty, identifying new opportunities, and positioning themselves for the future.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of listening to producers and developing solutions that respond to real needs in the field.
Left to right: Derek Friesen, Mike Frisen, Nathalie Leroux, Cameron Bergen, Darrell Petras, and Kyle Volpi Hiebert
“It’s not engineering something to innovate for fun. It’s picking up on those things they [producers] need,” said Mike Friesen, Elmer’s Manufacturing Ltd.
Left to right: Leanne Koroscil, Sheldon Wiebe, and Susan Ainsworth
The agri-food sector is full of opportunities to explore new markets, technologies, and approaches to production. During Beyond the Spud: Markets, Technology, and Opportunity, panelists shared perspectives on the evolving potato industry and the opportunities for innovation across the sector.
The session brought together industry voices to discuss the challenges and possibilities shaping the future of potato production and markets, while highlighting the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Photos: Terry Sydoryk, Scott Graham, Sheldon Wiebe, and Susan Ainsworth; attendees network at the conference
Access to investment, strong industry relationships, and the right support can help turn agricultural innovations into growing businesses. In Capital That Cultivates: Growing Agtech Companies in Manitoba and Beyond, Erin Trapp of Emmertech, John Cassidy of SVG Ventures | THRIVE, and Wilson Acton of Tall Grass Ventures joined Ray Bouchard, EMILI’s Board Chair, to discuss investment opportunities, lessons learned, and what it takes to scale agtech companies.
The conversation highlighted the role of Manitoba’s investment ecosystem in supporting emerging companies, attracting new opportunities, and helping homegrown innovations expand.
Left to right: Wilson Acton, John Cassidy, Erin Trapp, and Ray Bouchard
Celebrating a decade of agriculture innovation
The day also marked an important milestone for EMILI: 10 years of advancing agriculture innovation.
Jacqueline Keena and Ray Bouchard announced the release of a new report reflecting on a decade of progress, partnerships, and impact across Canada’s agriculture and agtech ecosystem.
To celebrate the occasion, EMILI CEO Jacqueline Keena and Board Chair Ray Bouchard announced the release of a new report reflecting on a decade of progress, partnerships, and impact across Canada’s agriculture and agtech ecosystem.
From long-term initiatives to recent successes, the report highlights the people, projects, and collaborations helping move agricultural innovation forward. Save the date for Agriculture Enlightened 2027, taking place in Winnipeg on November 9, 2027.