
November 3 - 4, 2021
Thank you for joining us for the annual Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning
Forum, hosted virtually by The Regional Municipality of York and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Join Us
The 2021 Municipal Agriculture Economic Development & Planning Forum is being hosted virtually by The Regional Municipality of York and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) from November 3-4, 2021. This event will feature a number of industry speakers, expert panels, an overview of York Region’s agriculture and agri-food sector and much more.
This is a great opportunity for those with an interest in regional and local economic development and land use planning to learn, network and share experiences.
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Innovation and Resiliency in the Agri-Food Sector
This year’s theme is Innovation and Resiliency in the Agri-Food Sector, focused on agri-tech, entrepreneurship, exploring innovative ways of doing business and building a resilient agri-food sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In we’ve seen how York Region’s local agri-food businesses transformed and adapted to COVID-19. Local agri-food businesses demonstrated resiliency and took the challenges and turned them into opportunities.
Keynote Speakers
Click here to view a full listing of speakers.

Nikolas Badminton
Chief Futurist, Futurist.com
Nikolas is the Chief Futurist and Think Tank leader at Futurist.com, a Fellow of The RSA, media personality, and the futurist that works with the most impactful companies to create bigger visions, strengthen strategic planning, and anticipate risks. He has worked with the world’s most impactful companies, including NASA, Google, Microsoft, United Nations, United Way, Bank of Canada, Government of Canada and many more.

Crystal Mackay
CEO, Loft32
Crystal is recognized as a speaker, trainer and leader in communications, business skills and earning public trust in food and farming in Canada. She served as the founding CEO of Farm & Food Care, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, and most recently her own company, Loft32. Crystal is a dynamic presenter and engaging trainer who has delivered over 1000 presentations around the globe.

Patti Thompson
Vice President, Sales & Marketing, King Cole Ducks
Patricia (Patti) Thompson is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and King Cole Ducks. For over 65 years, King Cole Ducks has remained true to time-honoured farming practices that epitomize integrity in sustainable, responsible farming. Patti has won the BMO “Celebrating Women in Agriculture Award” at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario and is valued for her contributions and knowledge in the agricultural sector.

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Thank you to our local municipal partners








