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Get to Know FICH: YODL’s Comprehensive Career Resource for Food Professionals

Get to Know FICH: YODL’s Comprehensive Career Resource for Food Professionals

Over the last two years, YODL has expanded to include a ton of valuable tools and resources, including the Food Innovators Career H ub (FICH) . FICH is a forum where students, rec ent graduates , and established professionals can make connections with employers , find jobs, and grow their food industry careers . It is a valuable resource for recruiters and employers eager to post jobs and connect directly with Canada’s top food i ndustry talent. Since launching, FICH has: Added 5000+ members Hosted 84 discussion threads and job postings and 30+ articles on food career topics Helped 18 participants build their food industry careers through CFIN’s Connextion s Mentorship Program We are constantly adding new resourc es and capabilities to make FICH the one-stop-shop for food industry job seekers . The platform already features 13 AI-powered tools built to help job seekers refine their resumes, write better cover letters , and prepare for interviews. This, along with a curated library of 11 food industry job boards , makes FICH the place to be for aspiring food innovators across Canada . In addition to resources like the curated industry job boards and AI tools, Th e FICH d i scussion board helps food professionals find their path by connecting them right to recruiters and employers seeking talent across every aspect of the food sector. Students and professionals looking to break into the indust ry can also take advantage of the Connextions Mentorship program , where mentees are paired with seasoned experts to help them build networks and establish their own food innovation careers . We are so excited to watch this community grow and evolve in the coming years. Be sure to check out all the amazing things already happening on FICH !

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50 Food & Beverage Programs - Brock University

50 Food & Beverage Programs - Brock University

From Vine to Wine: Exploring Brock University's Oenology and Viticulture Program Brock University ’s Oenology and Viticulture program offers a comprehensive education in sensory science, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, plant physiology, and cell biology. The program includes hands-on winemaking labs and viticulture fieldwork, along with opportunities to connect with leading researchers through Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. Program Highlights: The immersive program combines a comprehensive scientific education with practical skills in oenology (the study of wines) and viticulture (the cultivation of grapevines). As part of the program, students participate in a Co-operative Education Program, which includes at least one work term in a vineyard and another during the winery harvest. This hands-on experience is invaluable, offering students the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world settings. The program offers a robust curriculum that covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, all of which are relevant to the grape and wine industry. Students will gain a strong base in biotechnology and be exposed to important aspects of marketing, tourism, and wine appreciation. This blend of theoretical and practical learning ensures graduates are well-prepared for their careers. What You’ll Leave With: Upon completion of the program, graduates have a high employment rate, with 96% finding positions in the grape and wine industry. Career opportunities for graduates are diverse, ranging from Winemaker and Vineyard Manager to Lab Manager, Sensory Scientist, and Researcher. The average salary in this field varies significantly, ranging from $40,000 to $150,000, reflecting the wide range of roles and levels of expertise within the industry. Key People: Professor Debbie Inglis, Director of Brock ’ s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) . Contact Information: Registrar & Admissions office , 905-688-5550 x4293 ; futurestudent@brocku.ca This program is an excellent choice for those passionate about the grape and wine industry, looking to blend scientific knowledge with practical skills. V ideo/Social/Media : Student Experience Youtube Video 1 Student Experience Youtube Video 2 Student Experience Youtube Video 3 Instagram Alumni Youtube Video 1 Alumni Youtube Video 2

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YODL Turns Two🎉

YODL Turns Two🎉

Happy Birthday to Canada’s f irst online platform connecting all players in the food and beverage ecosystem ! It is hard to believe that YODL is already two . In the last year alone, YODL has won industry awards, welcomed thousands of new members, sparked hundreds of insightful discussions, and forge d valuable connections across Canada’s food innovation ecosystem. This infographic breaks down the impact of YODL, highlighting everything from its newest industry tools to the most popular content and dis cussions published over the past two years:

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50 Food & Beverage Programs - University of Guelph

50 Food & Beverage Programs - University of Guelph

Exploring the Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences Program at the University of Guelph The Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences program at the University of Guelph combines the study of human health, nutrition, and nutraceuticals within the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding how food and nutrients affect health and wellness, and how they can be used to develop innovative products to improve human and environmental health. Program Highlights: This holistic perspective provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact of dietary choices on human health. One of the program’s highlights is the opportunity for hands-on research. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit, where they can actively engage in practical research projects. This experiential learning deepens their grasp of program concepts. The Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences program is designed to address pressing issues within the food, pharmaceutical, and natural health product industries. Graduates are empowered to create innovative solutions that promote the well-being of individuals and the environment. To further enhance their education, students can participate in cooperative education work terms. The program’s primary emphasis is on exploring the pivotal role of food and nutrients in promoting health and preventing disease. Students delve into the intricate interplay between food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical drugs, and gain insights into the regulatory policies governing the food and health product industries. What You’ll Leave With: Upon completion of the Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences program at the University of Guelph, graduates are equipped to work in the food, pharmaceutical, and natural health product industries. They are prepared for roles in food manufacturing, product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance. The program opens doors to further studies in nutrition, dietetics, or related fields. Video/Social/Media: Explore more about the program through Youtube and Facebook

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50 Food & Beverage Programs - Algonquin College

50 Food & Beverage Programs - Algonquin College

Mastering the Art of Baking: Algonquin College ’ s Comprehensive Baking and Pastry Arts Management Program T he Baking and Pastry Arts Management Ontario College Diploma program from Algonquin College offers hands-on experience under professional chefs in state-of-the-art labs. Learn advanced patisserie training and management skills for career advancement or entrepreneurship. Unleash creativity in chocolate work, sugar artistry, cake design, artisan breads, and more. Acquire knowledge in business planning and operations for a successful career in the industry. Program Highlights: Courses include Communications, Sanitation and Safety Training, Introduction to Culinary, Baking Theory and Practical, Cake Decorating, Nutrition and Food Preparation, Sugar and Chocolate Techniques, Specialized Baking, and more. Real-world experience is emphasized with 120 hours of field placement and participation in community events and competitions. Additional Programs : Culinary Arts and Food Science, Bartending, Culinary Arts, Culinary Skills, Sommelier, Food and Nutrition Management W hat You’ll Leave With : Graduates will be equipped with skills to work as bakers, pastry chefs, chocolatiers, confectioners, bakery managers, or pursue entrepreneurship. The program develops skills for effective business management, creative culinary production, and environmental stewardship in the baking and pastry arts field. Admissions Requirements : Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) IELTS or TOEFL for language proficiency if needed Application Information: Program Code: 1207X01FWO Apply through OntarioColleges.ca International applicants: International Application Process Tuition & Fees: Use the Tuition and Fees Estimator Key People: Harsh Singh , Program Coordinator: singhh@algonquincollege.com, 613-727-4723, ext. 6423 Amanda Baxter , Instructor: baxtera@algonquincollege.com, 613-727-4723, ext. 7426 Barbara Burkhard , Professor: burkhab@algonquincollege.com, 613-727-4723, ext. 7426 Abdelmalek Lebbal , Instructor: lebbala@algonquincollege.com, 613-717-4723, ext. 7259 Stella Ludlow , Student Success Specialist: ludlows@algonquincollege.com, 613-727-4723, ext. 2102 Dan Luo , Instructor: luod@algonquincollege.com, 613-727-4723 Contact Information : School of Business and Hospitality

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Explained: Food Processing Skills Canada

Explained: Food Processing Skills Canada

What It Is Food Processing Skills Canada ( FPSC ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to professionalizing the food and beverage manufacturing industry by providing leadership on labour, skills and workforce development . FPSC has developed a national skills strategy based on long-term approach es used in other professional sectors that builds on collaborations with industry, government, academia, unions, associations, community organizations and other stakeholders. What it Does FPSC is helping the food and beverage industry to remain competitive through : Research into the labour market to define the needs of the industry; Setting competencies by defining the skills needed by the industry; Training to increase the pool of workers with relevant skills; Accredited courses to increase relevant training for the industry; and Certifying professionals to increase long-term commitment to a career in food processing. The organization offers numerous resources to support talent attraction and retention, skills training , and education to career pathways. That includes events , a Succeeding at Work program that train s job seekers and matches them with employers, and the Food Skills Library . The library lists areas of work in the food manufacturing industry, job descriptions and competencies, national occupational standards, skills manuals and essential skills for different jobs, courses, certifications, assessments, and career ladders in different sectors. FPSC also operates the Canadian Food Processors Institute . D esigned for food professionals, food and beverage companies, and newcomers to the industry , the Institute offers resources such as e - learning courses and good manufacturing practices . Why You Should Care According to FPSC , the food and beverage manufacturing industry will require 65,000 more employees by 2025 in order to meet consumer demands. At the same time, t he vacancy rate in the industry is approximately 3.8% higher than the overall manufacturing sector ’s 3% vacancy rate , and one-fifth of that workforce is aged between 55 and 64, meaning that many of these employees will be eligible to retire within the next decade. What Else you Need to Know The organization collaborates with provincial and national food industry associations; post-secondary institutions; and community, immigration and food industry leaders. Employers and food and beverage manufacturing professionals can also participate in the Rapid Results Panel . The panel gathers real-time labour market information, while offering participants early access to surveys and reports, as well as access to the HR Ready Portal featuring learning tools and resources.

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50 Food & Beverage Programs - Acadia University

50 Food & Beverage Programs - Acadia University

Feeding Wellbeing and the Environment: Acadia University's Holistic Approach to Nutrition and Dietetics Explore the impact of food, nutrition, and dietetics on wellbeing and the environment. Acadia University's School of Nutrition and Dietetics , established in 1928, offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. The curriculum supports career pursuits in nutrition, dietetics, or health professions like medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, and dentistry. Emphasizing food science, food product development, current nutrition, and dietetics issues, the program prepares students to work effectively in diverse settings. P rogram Highlights: The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree encompasses physical and social sciences, focusing on food, nutrition, and professional skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in nutrition, dietetics, health professions, food science, food industry, and foodservices. The Dietetics Option program, accredited by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP), enables eligibility for registration with a provincial dietetics regulatory body after completing an accredited dietetic internship or practicum program. Acadia offers two practicum streams (graduate and integrated), providing real-world experiences and industry insights. First Semester Courses: BIOL 1813, CHEM 1013 and 1010L, NUTR 1313, NUTR 1333 and 1330L, PSYC 1013 Second Semester Courses: CHEM 1023 and 1020L, NUTR 1323, NUTR 1343 and 1340L, PSYC 1023, English Elective Program O bjectives : Develop professional communication skills. Enhance critical thinking and client-centered approaches. Foster teamwork, community service, and leadership. Stay abreast of emerging research. Prepare students for diverse career choices and ethical conduct. D ietetic Practicums and Real-World Experience Opportunities for practical experience through the Dietetic Practicum Program, Centre for the Sensory Research of Food, and cooperative education options. W hat You’ll Leave With : Career opportunities in various sectors like healthcare, public health, education, food and agriculture, food product development, foodservice management, journalism, policy development, and more. K ey People : Faculty & Staff: Dr. Jennifer Brady : Associate Professor Dr. Liesel Carlsson : Associate Professor Lynn Coleman : Administrative Assistant Dr. Matt Durant : Professor Prof. Laurel Ettinger : Instructor Connie Foote : Interim Director Dr. Mojtaba Kaviani : Associate Professor Dr. Matt McSweeney : Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for the Sensory Research of Food Dr. Catherine Morley : Teaching Affiliate C ontact Info rmation : School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University Address: P.O. Box 68, 12 University Avenue, Huggins Science Hall, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, B4P 2R6 Telephone: (902) 585-1366 Fax: (902) 585-1637 Email: nutr@acadiau.ca V ideo/Social/Media : Program Youtube Video Acadia University Youtube Page Acadia University Instagram Page

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Thursday Thought on Foodtech: The Intersection of Neuroscience and Food

Thursday Thought on Foodtech: The Intersection of Neuroscience and Food

Have you ever wondered why certain foods evoke strong emotional reactions in you? Why do you find comfort in eating chocolate but feel indifferent about lettuce? What is it about cauliflower or Brussel sprouts that makes you dislike them so intensely? How do my childhood memories influence my current food choices? Why does the aroma of freshly baked bread make me feel nostalgic and happy? These questions highlight the complex relationship between our neural responses and our food experiences, revealing the deep connections that shape our dietary habits. Enter Thimus , an international member of CFIN that delves into the interplay between our brains and our taste preferences, a critical factor for food developers. Thimus is pioneering methods to quantify how we emotionally respond to what we eat. Their T-Box offers insights that can transform product development and marketing strategies in the food industry. I had the opportunity to email interview @Mario Ubiali , CEO and founder of Thimus, and have compiled his responses that provide a glimpse into the innovative work they are doing at Thimus. To start, can you introduce yourself, Mario, and tell us a bit about your background and what Thimus is all about? My name is Mario Ubiali, I’m 51, and I was born and raised in a rural area in the North of Italy. I started out my adult life as a philosophy Major from the University of Parma and I went on to become a small entrepreneur, in line with my father’s family tradition (4 generations). I have been a small entrepreneur for 22 years now, with a successful exit completed in 2014 and now this amazing adventure with Thimus that gives me the opportunity to merge an interest for humans, with some of the most cutting-edge science available. We have worked very hard (and still do) to use sensory neuroscience to uncover objective data on emotional and cognitive response to food experiences. How does Thimus uncover the emotional connections we have with our favourite foods through neuroscience? The process is quite straightforward, at least in principle. We utilize a device that is very well-known in scientific research: the electroencephalogram (EEG). This device captures the brain’s electrical activity, which is fundamentally the very sign of brain processes happening. We have created a very agile, portable platform called the T-Box, that digitizes implicit brain responses of humans experiencing food. Once we capture that electrical signal, we use proprietary algorithms to clean it, aggregate it, and analyze it. The output is a series of easily readable emotional and cognitive metrics: implicit liking, familiarity, relaxation, and emotional engagement. We already know what happens when humans eat and drink, but the big news is that we can now measure their implicit response and create quantifiable KPIs for product development and testing. What are some surprising emotional reactions you've found in your research on how people experience food? I think the surprising but also encouraging emotional reactions we have found are all connected to humans attaching meaning and emotion to what they eat. We have seen the brain react to food experiences in a highly positive way when the plate was, for example, prepared by somebody they have a good relationship with. We have seen enhanced emotion in sharing food with others, an aspect that I think must induce the food and beverage industry to reflect on how food can be created with a meaning, with a differentiation to diverse humans. I know it sounds romantic and complicated, but ultimately if food manufacturers can make people feel like taken into consideration, it would make their business extremely successful. How can food companies use Thimus' insights to create products that deeply resonate with their customers? By testing their products while they are developing formulations, packaging, use cases. Inserting sensory neuroscience in early stages of product design allows iterating two or three times and fine-tuning the response we would like to see in customers. Imagine that I am a food company and I see that emotional engagement is low and implicit acceptance is low, maybe I am seeing this response in the aftertaste of my product, or maybe in the visual approach. This allows me (as a food company) to intervene and improve what doesn't work. In the end, it’s a design thinking approach supported by advanced neuroscience! How do personal and cultural backgrounds shape our emotional responses to food, and how does Thimus explore these differences? Personal and cultural backgrounds greatly shape our emotional responses on several levels. On a purely physiological level, recent epigenetic studies demonstrate that our sensitivity to certain taste is a product of the food habits of our parents and grandparents . So in a way, we tend to have a predisposition to enjoy what's in the culture of our family and our familial habits. On the other hand, there is how we experience food, who prepares it for us or with us, the memories built around it, the way we use it for sharing and bonding: all of these elements concur to our overall emotional response to food. Our brain implicitly react to food as the progressive stratification of experiences, memories, sensorial stimuli, cultural influences, epigenetic and genetic inheritance, etc. It’s a beautiful, complex, ramified piece of our body where our most valuable assets are generated: emotion and meaning. What ethical considerations does Thimus address when using neuroscience to study and influence consumer experiences with food? It’s a very complex question. On one hand, I want to say up front that anyone volunteering to use our technology in a panel is very aware of the technology, of the data we collect, why and how. Information and transparency are the number one step in the journey. As per the use that corporates make of data, it’s an old dilemma: are we selling a hammer to somebody with mean intentions? For Thimus, what matters the most is that, by using the T-Box, food corporations are learning that implicit data is very solid and objective . Many times, they don’t see what they hope to see and they have to get used to sticking to objective measurement. So the data is educating and shaping the way they can use it. Manipulation today is mostly coming from other sources: choosing certain ingredients, pushing on messaging and marketing, leveraging social pressure. We are only providing an amazing new tool to enter a completely new layer of information . In doing so, we are strongly encouraging companies to understand the complexities of human food emotion and therefore to care for improvements to their products that would cater to it. Finally, we want to make sure the T-Box is 100% accessible even to small players, startups and academia. That’s why in 2024 we have been building an international network of special places where F&B players can find our technology for them to use it without being asked to purchase a full license. These places are called House of Humans and we are partnering with amazing entities and announcing the openings in Valencia (Spain), Milan (Italy) and Wageningen (Holland). We are receiving lots of international interest towards this format, because local partners can really offer something unprecedented to their stakeholders. We are in fact open to discussing with interested parties in Canada, if anyone reading this is enticed! Thursday Thought on Foodtech is an experimental column or post co-written between my colleague @Lavina Gully and myself. We may use generative AI tools to research and enhance the content. When content from AI tools is used, it is credited in the post. Follow us every Thursday for more thoughts on Foodtech, after our 2024 summer break! Disclaimer : None of the organizations, companies, or products mentioned in this article are sponsors of this content.

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Profile - Cronometer Software

Profile - Cronometer Software

This is one in a series of interviews with CFIN member companies that have successfully applied for and received funding . Revelstoke, BC- based Cronometer Software Inc. received $47,378 in funding for a project titled AI Food Suggestions. We spoke with Brendan Benson, senior project manager at Cronometer , to find out more about the company and its project. Q: Please explain what your company does and how your products are improving the food industry? A: Cronometer is a nutrition tracking app that prides itself on being the most accurate and comprehensive tracker on the market today. Unlike our competitors, we primarily source our nutrition data from lab-analyzed sources such as the NCCDB or USDA. Users can enter what they eat and drink into the app, and in exchange, we supply nutrition information on up to 84 different nutrients from protein to choline – all free of charge. Cronometer can be used by anyone on any diet and is often leveraged to ensure adequate nutritional intake. Legally, food production companies are not required to print an exhaustive list of every nutrient on their nutrition labels. Although each branded product entry in our database is verified by a staff member, missing nutrition information on the label itself can lead to less accurate data. We are continually developing features and algorithms to try to fill that gap. For example, we recently released a feature that we like to call “Better Alternative Backfill ,” which is an algorithm that takes nutrition data from packaged nutrition labels, finds a similar entry from our more comprehensive, lab-analyzed database and automatically fills in the missing nutrient information. Q: What is your company’s mission? A: Our mission at Cronometer is to help millions of people improve their health by empowering them to track, measure and learn, delivering the best data and tools to accomplish this. Q: Why did you apply for this funding and how will you use it? A: We applied for CFIN booster funding to help cover the cost of a strategically important R&D project called AI Food Suggestions. The goal of the project is to replace our outdated Food Suggestion feature in our mobile and web app with an AI - powered Food Suggestion feature. The feature will generate personalized suggestions to help users meet their remaining calorie and nutrient targets for the day. Food Suggestions will be generated based on recently logged foods, selected filters, and user inputs. Q: What excites you most about working in this area of the food industry? A: At Cronometer we like to think of ourselves as nutrition data nerds. We are excited about supplying our users with personalized, accurate data and appreciate the power that these insights can hold. New Artificial Intelligence technology has opened up even more possibilities to have a positive impact on our users ’ health and wellbeing and we can’t wait to make it even easier to make healthy and informed decisions. Q: Why is collaboration so important for accelerating innovation in the food industry? Is it difficult to find good collaborating partners, and what would make the process easier? A: Fostering collaboration is essential to driving innovation in the Canadian food industry. We have many different partnerships ranging from collaborations with local doctors and dietitians to wearable device partners like Garmin and WHOOP. These partnerships are key in helping us offer a holistic health tracking approach centered around nutrition. Despite the challenges in forging partnerships within a competitive market, we utilize conferences, academic connections, and professional networks to identify aligned collaborators. Having established communities and organizations like the Canadian Food Innovation Network makes it easier to connect with other industry leaders based i n Canada. Q: Please comment on the importance of public funding to help companies clear innovation hurdles and access leveraged funds. A: In the competitive landscape of health and nutrition tracking technology, public funding is key for Cronometer to navigate innovation challenges and propel our growth. We compete in a crowded space made up of American companies that are supported by heavily funded venture capital firms. Public funding has helped us grow the team and pursue innovative R&D projects that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. Q: Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for your company? A: Looking ahead, Cronometer is poised to redefine the landscape of nutritional insights. We are focused on harnessing the power of AI to provide our users with personalized, actionable nutrition advice tailored to their unique health goals and dietary preferences. As these AI-driven features and services evolve, Cronometer is set to become not just a tool for tracking, but an intelligent personal nutrition assistant, helping Canadians and users worldwide achieve their health and wellness objectives with unprecedented precision and ease. Q: What are your passions or hobbies outside of work? A: With our headquarters located in the small-town of Revelstoke, BC we have endless options for staying active. Our team enjoys skiing and boarding during the winter months and group bike rides and climbing during the summer! Q: If you had to pick one person to make you a meal, who would you choose? A: Guy Fieri.

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50 Food & Beverage Programs - Trent University

50 Food & Beverage Programs - Trent University

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at Trent University: Cultivating a Greener Future Trent University in Peterborough, O N , offers a pioneering program in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS). This program is designed for students passionate about understanding and reshaping the food and agriculture systems toward more sustainable practices. Program Overview: The SAFS program at Trent University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between agriculture, food production, distribution, and consumption. This program is available as both a Bachelor of Arts (B A ) and a Bachelor of Science (B Sc ), providing students with options to focus on either the social, political, and economic aspects or the scientific dimensions of sustainable agriculture. Specializations and Degree Options: B A (Honours) in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems B Sc (Honours) in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Specialization in Small-Scale Farming available for both degrees. Unique Features and Experiential Learning: Hands-On Learning: Opportunities to work on the Trent Farm and in rooftop gardens. Experiential Opportunities: Intensive Small-Scale Agriculture Field Course and resources and connections with industry experts. Real-World Application: Courses focus on issues like small-scale food production and local food movements. Program Structure: The SAFS program offers a blend of interdisciplinary core courses and specialized courses in various disciplines such as Anthropology, Geography, History, and Indigenous Studies. Honours BSc Degree: Focuses on the science of agricultural production and food consumption. Honours BA Degree: Concentrates on the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of agriculture and food. Career Prospects and Opportunities: Graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in organic farming, agro -tourism, agricultural research, nutrient management planning, soil and water analysis, and international agricultural development. Trent’s SAFS program opens doors to a range of job opportunities in a growing field, including positions in sustainability studies, environmental sciences, and social research. Key Faculty and Research: Faculty from the Trent School of the Environment. Dr. Stephen Hill, Associate Professor and Director, Trent School of the Environment. Student Experience: Hear from students like Helen McCarthy on the unique aspects of Trent’s SAFS program. Engage in student-run initiatives and clubs related to sustainable agriculture. Admission Requirements: OSSD or equivalent, including Grade 12 English and Grade 11 Math. Application details and deadlines are available on the program link. Video and Social Media : Explore student experiences and insights into the program through YouTube videos . Stay connected with Trent University on Instagram , LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook . Contact Information: Program Coordinators: David Beresford and Karen A. Thompson Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Email: tse@trentu.ca The SAFS program at Trent University is not just an educational journey but a transformative experience, preparing students for impactful careers in sustainable agriculture and food systems. The program’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with hands-on learning opportunities, makes it a unique and valuable choice for students committed to creating a sustainable future.

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#AskLavina - Food & Beverage Trends, and the Difference Between a Spoilage Organism and a Pathogen (May 2024)

#AskLavina - Food & Beverage Trends, and the Difference Between a Spoilage Organism and a Pathogen (May 2024)

In addition to being CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director for BC and Yukon, Lavina Gully is a food scientist and product developer with almost two decades of experience helping food and beverage companies innovate. In this series, Lavina answers questions from CFIN members on everything from product development, R&D, manufacturing best practices, and co-packing – just to name a few! If you have questions for Lavina, you can reach out to her directly and we can answer your question in next month’s mailbag. This month, Lavina answers your question s about keeping up with food and beverage trends , and the difference between a spoilage organism and a pathogen. Q: Trend predictions change so often. What’s the best way to stay on trend without completely changing our product lineup ? A: When considering food and beverage trends, it’s important to be able to identify trends with staying power over fads with short - lived appeal . While all trends have a lifecycle, there are macro themes which develop more slowly and arc over a longer time period , and which ultimately have mass appeal. For instance, increased consumer interest in health and wellness or convenient snacking are broad macro themes. Within these arcs are trends that follow their own lifecycle, from initial interest by early adopters, to a rise in popularity, followed by mainstream acceptance, and then saturation. So a trend with staying power within the health and wellness theme might be products designed for gut health. Lasting trends also tend to reinvent themselves – just look at the continued popularity of low- carb, high protein diets such as Atkins, paleo, or keto. On the other hand, fads tend to hit the market with high consumer interest, but often fade as they have only short-term or limited appeal. Think about the sudden interest in dalgona coffee during COVID -19 lockdowns , or the initial media frenzy around the cronut, which spawned a range of hybrid bakery treats, including today’s more popular flat croissant . So it’s essential to take some time to consider if what you’re considering is a longer-term trend, and where it is on the trend lifecycle , or if you’re looking at a fad. Once you’ve identified a trend you’d like to jump on, do your research – evaluate industry reports, consumer surveys, and social media . You will also have to consider whether th at trend makes sense for your brand and your customers. Choose trends that naturally align with your brand identity, values, and product offerings to ensure consistency and authenticity in your product lineup – d on’t compromise the integrity of your brand for the sake of following trends . Instead, consider innovat ing within your company niche and incorporate trends into your product line, rather than overhauling your entire portfolio. This could involve introducing new flavo u rs, ingredients, packaging designs, or product formats that resonate with consumer preferences. Think about how any new products will fit with your current lineup, and whether they will be limite d offering s or several rotating on-trend products. Finally, b efore fully committing to a new product, consider testing it with a smaller audience , in controlled markets , or through limited release s to gauge customer response . U se that feedback to iterate and refine your offerings, ensuring they meet both trend-driven demands and your brand standards . Above all, stay f lexible in your approach, and be willing to adapt as consumer tastes evolve. Q: I know that microorganisms can affect the shelf life of products, but I’m also worried about pathogens. What is the difference between a spoilage organism and a pathogen, and how would control measures be similar or different? A: I asked Nicole Detlor, Director, and Cynthia Riddle, Food Science Researcher, at Conestoga College Food Research & Innovation Lab , for their input on this question (you can also read Nicole’s interview with CFIN’s Nestor Gomez about shelf life here ). While noting that they are answering the question from a perspective of product developers rather than microbiologists, here’s what they had to say: Pathogens are specific types of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness or in extreme cases, death, if ingested. They can grow under many different conditions including refrigeration (such as Listeria monocytogenes ). In general, the presence of pathogenic bacteria in food is not detectable visually, or by smell or taste. Spoilage microorganisms are different from pathogens in that they do not usually cause illness and grow in a much wider range of conditions than pathogens. Excessive quantities of spoilage microorganisms can cause food to develop unpleasant flavours, odours and textures. The visible presence of mould is an example of a spoilage microorganism. To validate that a product does not support pathogenic growth (or in some cases that the preservation system will reduce the presence of pathogens), a specific type of shelf-life study known as a “challenge study” is used. This study intentionally introduces pathogenic bacteria in very lab-controlled conditions to validate the performance of the preservation system (process, ingredients, etc.). CFIA provides useful guidance on this type of testing in Listeria monocytogenes Challenge Testing of Refrigerated Ready-to-Eat Foods and there are organizations that can support this testing. Some control measures for spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms are similar, since they can grow under similar conditions. Temperature control is a common control measure for pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. Thermal processing, such as pasteurization, is designed to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, and reduce spoilage microorganisms. An example of this is pasteurised fluid milk that with time will eventually spoil. The process of commercial sterilization is also a thermal process but eliminates all pathogens and spoilage microorganisms due to the higher temperatures and longer times compared to pasteurization. Refrigeration or freezing can slow the growth of all microorganisms, but does not significantly reduce their numbers if they are already present. Other processes such as high - pressure processing can eliminate the presence of both spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, but does not inactive spores. As product developers, we consider pH and water activity control as two formulation methods to reduce the risk of pathogenic bacteria growth. Below specific pH and water activity levels, pathogenic bacteria are unable to reproduce. Spoilage microorganisms have wider ranges of pH and water activity at which they can grow, but control of pH and water activity can still be used to prevent their growth. Preservatives can also be used to limit the growth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. The types of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms that may affect a product are usually specific to that type of food. For example, the spoilage microorganisms that are more likely found in milk are different from the ones that are more likely to cause spoilage in baked goods, and the pathogens more often found in raw eggs are different from the ones that are more often found in produce. The processing environment, production process, packaging and storage conditions will also determine which pathogens and spoilage microorganisms are likely to be the biggest concerns. All these factors should be considered when determining which microorganisms are likely to affect a product, and subsequently controls for each of these factors should be put in place to ensure the product is safe to consume, and looks, smells and tastes like it should throughout its shelf life.

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Charting New Terrain: Canada’s Draft Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Listed Companies

Charting New Terrain: Canada’s Draft Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Listed Companies

By: Brett Wills - Founder, CarbonOne Given the lightning speed of change around Carbon Reporting Requirements, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments. As the CEO of Canada’s Trusted Partner for Carbon Intelligence, CarbonOne , our company is committed to keeping Canadian Food and Beverage companies up to speed. We’ve been following the latest developments in the Carbon Reporting Space closely and recently there was a major development companies need to be aware of. Here’s a recap of what’s happening: On March 13, 2024, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) released a draft of the proposed sustainability disclosure standards for publicly listed companies in Canada. The standards are based on the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) S1 & S2 Standards modified for a Canadian context and require listed entities (including Canada's major Grocery Retailers) to report carbon emissions annually. Why It Matters to All Food and Beverage Companies: While the standards will apply to listed entities such as retailers, the inclusion of Scope 3 means that suppliers to these entities, listed or not, are very likely to be required to report the carbon footprint of their products. When and how this will happen is still unclear but will likely be quickly determined by the entities required to report. Given the relatively quick timeline, Canadian Food and Beverage companies are well advised to start preparing now to stay competitive in today's Circular, Net Z ero world. What's in the Draft? The Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS) are divided into two key sections: CSDS 1: General Reporting Requirements CSDS 2: Climate-Related Disclosures CSDS 1 lays out the general reporting requirements based on a set of Core Content: Governance: Requires disclosure on Processes used to monitor , manage, and oversee sustainability-related risks & opportunities (R&O). (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024a) Strategy : Requires disclosure on how the reporting entity manages sustainability-related R&O. Risk Management: Requires disclosure on the process to identify , assess, prioritize and monitor sustainability-related R&O. (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024a) Metrics & Targets: Requires disclosure on various metrics and targets that allow users of Financial Reports to understand an entity’s performance concerning its sustainability-related R&O. (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024a) It is important to note that CSSB has proposed modifications to ISSB Standards that will allow for a deferral of non-climate-related disclosures for 2 years. CSDS 2 is based on a similar set of Core Content but more granular and specific to climate-related risks and opportunities. For example, Governance & Strategy in CSDS is specific to disclosures on how an entity governs and manages climate-related R& O.( The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024b) There are also specific disclosures required on the effects of climate-related R&O on the entity’s Financial Performance in the short, medium and long term. (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024b) Further, CSDS 2 also defines what specific climate-related metrics and targets must be disclosed which include: Scope 1: Direct emissions from company-owned or controlled assets. Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity and steam. Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the supply chain and across the value chain. (Forba Retailer, Category 1: " Purchased Goods and Services" includes products Purchased and sold in Stores or other Distribution Channels). (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024b) It is important to note that the CSSB has proposed a modification to the ISSB S2 standard for CSDS 2 that would allow the deferral of disclosing Scope 3 emissions by 2 years to provide time for the market to prepare. Companies must also disclose several other climate-related metrics including but not limited to the % of assets or business activities vulnerable to climate-related physical risks, the amount of capital deployed toward climate, the internal price of carbon and how climate-related considerations are factored into executive remuneration . (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024b) Plus there's more - entities must also disclose details on any climate-related targets including any planned use of carbon credits. (The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB], 2024b). Public Consultation & Timeline: The draft is open for public consultation until June 10, 2024. Following the consultation, the CSSB plans to review feedback and publish their findings in fall 2024. A final standard is expected by year-end. Once the standards are finalized by CSSB, the standards will be reviewed by the Canadian Securities Administrators for adoption across the Country. While the timing of adoption is unclear at this point, it has been stated by the CSSB that reporting could start as early as 2025 for the 2024 reporting ye ar. With a 2-year deferral allowance for Scope 3, reporting Scope 3 could begin as early as 2027 for the 2026 reporting year. CarbonOne intends to submit formal feedback and we would love to hear input from Canadian Food and Beverage companies to help inform a response. Any companies who would like their voices heard are welcome to contact CarbonOne directly . Are you looking to learn more about your Carbon Footprint or have questions about this article? Get in touch with us today at Carbon-one.ca. References The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB]. (2024, March 13). CSSB Exposure Draft – Proposed Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standard (CSDS) 1, General requirements for disclosure of sustainability-related financial information . FRAS Canada. https://www.frascanada.ca/-/media/frascanada/sustainability/documents/cssb-ed-csds-1.pdf?rev=b74b7632730445519561dd16ac2bca5b The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board [CSSB]. (2024b, March 13). CSSB Exposure Draft – Proposed Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standard (CSDS) 2, Climate-related disclosures .FRAS Canada. https://www.frascanada.ca/-/media/frascanada/sustainability/documents/cssb-ed-csds-2.pdf rev=37dd7b66f4c049a5890502b5c852134d

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