Four leaders in Canada’s potato industry will take the stage at Agriculture Enlightened, Canada’s Agtech Conference, for Beyond the Spud: Markets, Technology and Opportunity.
This panel discussion will explore how technology, evolving value chains, changing markets and global trade are reshaping the opportunities and challenges facing potato producers and processors. With Manitoba’s potato sector deeply connected to processing, export markets, and a diverse network of growers and industry partners, the discussion will examine how innovation and collaboration can strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and resiliency.
Susan Ainsworth is the general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), representing Manitoba’s processing potato growers in negotiations and in policy and advocacy work with government and industry stakeholders. She is passionate about agricultural education and sustainable food production and was recently named one of the 2026 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture.
Ainsworth has a bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University. She has worked in Manitoba’s potato industry for 29 years, in roles spanning retail, government, post-secondary education, industry, and on farm.
Terry Sydoryk is the CEO of Cellar Insights. Terry has over 30 years of leadership experience in the technology industry, with 20 years focused on company creation and early-stage company growth. As a founding member of the A100, Sydoryk frequently serves as an advisor, board member or angel investor. Most recently, he held the CEO role for Chaordix until it was acquired by Benevity.
Sheldon Wiebe is president and co-owner of J.P. Wiebe Ltd., a 10,000 acre farm in MacGregor, Manitoba with more than 3,000 acres dedicated to potatoes, where EMILI launched its second Innovation Farms site in 2025. Wiebe is also a board member of the Keystone Potato Producers Association.
Scott Graham is a raw development agronomy manager for Manitoba, North Dakota, and Minnesota with J.R. Simplot Co., specializing in potato agronomy and storage, variety development, and practical on-farm solutions. Raised on a cattle and grain farm near Holland, Manitoba, he is a University of Manitoba agriculture graduate with more than a decade of experience in the potato processing industry. He is also a certified Canadian Firearms Safety Course instructor and enjoys spending time at the cottage at West Hawk Lake.
Since 2020, Agriculture Enlightened has brought together a diverse audience including more than 1,450 producers, agri-food and technology experts, industry leaders, decision-makers, researchers, and students from across North America and the globe. Our audience has consistently praised the depth of expertise our speakers bring to the conference, the variety of subject matter, and the many opportunities throughout the day to network. In 2026, we look forward to building on the success of our past events. Purchase your early bird tickets today.