As food prices continue to rise, many consumers are finding it harder to prioritize organic products. This keynote panel will explore the challenges and opportunities of promoting organic purchasing habits in Ontario amidst economic uncertainty.

Our expert panelists will discuss strategies to help consumers understand the long-term health and environmental benefits of organic food, while addressing the practical reality of budgeting in today’s economy. They’ll share insights on how organic farmers and marketers can connect with price-conscious buyers, and explore the vital role of consumer education, advocacy, and policy in shaping Ontario’s organic market.

This conversation will feature a range of perspectives—from researchers and health professionals to retail store owners and farmers—all contributing ideas on how to make organic food more accessible, affordable, and sustainable in the years to come.

Panelists include:

• Dr. Andy Hammermeister
• Jessica Dupont ND
• Angela Donnelly
• Dan Brisebois

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, full of fresh ideas, real-world solutions, and inspiring collaboration.

Dr. Andrew Hammermeister is the Director of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Andrew is the coordinator and student advisor as well as a course instructor for the Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture offered by Dalhousie University. The OACC is proud to be a member of IFOAM Organics International and promotes it principles as well as its vision presented as Organic 3.0. Andrew is presently the Science Director for the Organic Science Cluster, the coordinated national initiative for organic research in Canada. He sits on the national organic standards review committee and several other organic sector committee. He is a Board Member of ISOFAR (the International Society of Organic Farming Research) and Organic Nova Scotia. Andrew collaborates in organic research ranging from soil fertility and weed management to sustainability and biodiversity.

Dr. Jessica Dupont is a Naturopathic Doctor, author, and public speaker with a dedicated focus on Women’s Health and Fertility through functional medicine and detoxification practices. With a profound mission to empower women and families, she strives to equip them with the knowledge to foster optimal wellness in their children, thereby creating stronger and healthier communities. Recently extending her expertise into corporate settings, Jessica provides invaluable counsel on nutrition and the significance of organic practices within the workplace. Her advocacy for a low-tox lifestyle, coupled with her deep-rooted interest in children’s development and the healing power of nature, underscores her passion for holistic well-being. Dr. Dupont serves on the board for the GUHAH Way Foundation and actively supports various women's and children's organizations within her community. She embodies the essence of a seasoned professional, a nurturing mentor, and a compassionate philanthropist, committed to making a positive impact.

Dan Brisebois is a founding farmer at Tourne-Sol co-operative farm in Les Cèdres, Quebec. Tourne-Sol grows organic seeds for an online seed store and a wholesale rack program; and grows organic vegetables for 500 weekly veggie baskets. Dan also has a secret agenda. He wants you to grow seed on your farm! Dan is the author of The Seed Farmer and Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers; and the host of the Seed Growers podcast. Dan runs the Farmer Spreadsheet Academy and blogs about farming and seeds at www.danbrisebois.com. 

Angela Donnelly- Raised by Hippies on Salt Spring Island, Angela Donnelly was growing and selling organic before most Canadians knew what the word meant. A consultant, entrepreneur and small business champion, Angela has worked in both wholesale and retail natural food businesses for decades, founding one of Toronto's first organic home delivery services, Front Door Organics. Over the decades, she has been a tireless advocate for local healthy food, creating lasting relationships with organic farmers across Canada. For the past decade Angela and her partner JJ have run Raise the Root, the go-to-spot for fresh organic and natural foods in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood.