In Small Farm Canada magazine we have been sharing information on reducing food waste, so we thought we would share this information about an upcoming webinar on the same topic organized by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity.
Innovation is reshaping the food system every day, from how crops are grown and animals are fed to how resources are recovered and reused. Yet many of these advancements happen quietly, behind the scenes, and are not always well understood by the public. As a result, even the most practical and sustainable solutions can face hesitation, misunderstanding, or resistance.
The upcoming webinar, Nothing Wasted: Where Innovations in Food Loss and Waste Recycling Meets Public Trust in the Food System, brings these issues into the open through a thoughtful and practical conversation. Designed for farmers, food professionals, and anyone invested in the future of agriculture, this session looks at what happens when innovation makes technical sense within the food system, but requires clearer communication and trust to gain broader acceptance.
The webinar features Dr Gerald Shurson, Professor of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota and a globally recognized expert in animal nutrition and sustainable food production. With decades of experience in feed innovation, nutrient recycling, and environmental sustainability, Dr Shurson has spent his career examining how food system resources can be used more efficiently without compromising safety or integrity.
Joining him in conversation is Ashley Bruner, who brings a public trust perspective to food and agriculture discussions. Together, they will explore how innovation is perceived beyond the farm gate, and why understanding public expectations is as important as scientific and economic feasibility.
At the centre of the discussion is one of the most overlooked opportunities in food system efficiency: recovering and using resources that already exist. Food loss and waste recycling provide a powerful example of how efficiency and sustainability can align, but they also illustrate the communication challenges that come with change. While farmers and agricultural professionals may see these approaches as logical and responsible, consumers may have questions that deserve clear, respectful answers.
Through an open, back‑and‑forth dialogue, the webinar examines where these innovations resonate with the public, where they raise concerns, and what it takes for them to be understood and trusted. Rather than focusing solely on technical performance, the conversation highlights the importance of transparency, shared values, and credible voices in shaping public confidence.
For Canadian farmers and small‑scale producers, the webinar offers valuable insights into how broader food system decisions connect directly to their operations and reputations. Public trust increasingly influences markets, policy, and consumer choice, making it a critical consideration for anyone producing food today. Understanding how efficiency, environmental responsibility, and communication intersect can help producers navigate a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Nothing Wasted will be a practical and engaging discussion that reflects real‑world complexity. It acknowledges that innovation alone is not enough. For progress to succeed, people must understand it, trust it, and see how it aligns with shared goals for sustainability, food security, and responsible resource use.
This webinar offers a timely opportunity to explore how Canadian agriculture can continue to innovate while strengthening public confidence in the food system that feeds the nation.