Food. Its production and distribution over time illustrates a remarkable story of modern advancement in science, industry and trade. Its cultural importance, around the world, also cannot be understated - keeping us connected to each other and to our roots, no matter how far away. For these reasons, we have come to recognize and rely on vast supply chain networks to feed our rising global population and to deliver products to our increasingly multicultural pantry shelves. 

​

Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our modern food landscape. With borders and businesses closed, this complex system of distribution channels has been upended, leaving us to consider what is still on the table. Important questions around what we eat and where it's made are being re-imagined - with greater consideration for food security risks and a growing consumer sentiment to shop and support local.

​

As governments look to build domestic capacity across all industries in light of market uncertainty, thePanel is interested in the shifting geopolitics of food in a post-COVID-19 world. Is this a lasting move away from the globalization of food? Or a momentary deviation from the dominant trend? Does this shift threaten the gains we've seen from our current system? And how should our policymakers respond? Join us in considering what the next chapter will mean for Canadian farmers, small and big business, as well as the everyday consumer. 

​