Growing interest in sustainable development issues is reflected in rising expectations for concrete action to be taken by companies on environmental, social and good governance issues. In response to these trends, companies in all sectors, including the bio-food sector, are being encouraged more than ever to take action to better integrate ESG factors into their operations and business strategy.
Researchers will be looking at a multitude of topics and exploring different approaches to encourage the transition to a sustainable biofood sector, including raising consumer awareness, evaluating policies and regulations, and developing innovative practices. In particular, the digital transition and the emergence of artificial intelligence in the field of agriculture are positioning themselves as a veritable revolution. They enable the optimization of crops, the limitation of losses and the rationalization of production, as well as the optimization of crop production on the territory.
The challenges are numerous. It also raises issues of manpower and skills transformation. This theme encourages collaboration with players in the agricultural sector, the food industry, the government and the financial sector. Indeed, the financial sector in particular is playing a growing role in the transition to more responsible business practices.
Building on its research expertise in biofood economic and technological issues, workforce issues, energy issues, environmental and climate risk management, and responsible finance, CIRANO will be organizing various research activities in 2023-2024 around these issues. Several research projects will be carried out this year on these themes. This will result in the publication of several research reports and articles in the PERSPECTIVES journal, and the organization of scientific events, several of them will be held in Quebec City in collaboration with our research community at Université Laval and our government partners.