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Sustainable Food
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Introduction

Issues

Food systems refers to all of the steps that go into food production, from the seed to the plate to the landfill. These interconnected systems encompass all of the different stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, the environment, and corporations responsible for all kinds of steps in the process. Food systems are one of the most crucial sectors to overhaul in the coming decades as they contribute a third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture also consumes 70 percent of global freshwater each year. It’s also responsible for 80 percent of the world’s deforestation. Meanwhile, while we produce enough food to feed everyone on the planet, 783 million people still go hungry. Climate shocks are one of the driving causes of this lack of access, as well as economic inequality and conflict. 

Food systems in Canada need a big overhaul as well. About 60 percent of all the food produced in Canada is wasted, and the sector accounts for about 10 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers in Canada are going to face increasing threats from climate change, including wildfires, droughts, and variable weather conditions, so finding ways to adapt will be crucial for food security.

Solutions

The industrial agricultural system, characterized by large monocrop farming operations, is highly unsustainable, leading to rapid soil degradation and a host of other environmental harms. However, many alternatives exist that are better both for people and the planet. Agroecology, for example, is an approach to farming that takes into account the complex interrelationships between human beings, plants, animals, and the wider environment to ensure that all can exist harmoniously together. It also recognizes the need for socially equitable food systems that take into account how food is produced, by whom, and who has access to it. 

Indigenous food systems are another important pathway to a more sustainable future. Indigenous peoples already steward 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity, and their agricultural practices have proven to be resilient and sustainable against climate shocks. Learning from these practices and positioning Indigenous peoples as the leaders of food systems transformation is a key part of moving forward. Conventional farmers can also make big steps to change such as reducing harmful pesticide use, change tilling practices, and include buffer zones on their land to protect biodiversity. 

Other actions, like reducing food waste, addressing global poverty, and moving away from our meat-centric diets, all have important roles to play in building a food system that can feed everyone on the planet without damaging the environment. 

Resources to
Learn More
Programs, Trainings, and Events
Policies and Organizations
Organizations
  • Sundance Harvest – An urban agriculture and social enterprise organization in Canada focused on sustainable farming practices, food justice, and community engagement.
  • Indigenous food systems network – A network fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among Indigenous communities to revitalize and strengthen traditional food systems.
  • Ojibiikaan – A non-profit organization working to promote Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives and the revitalization of traditional agricultural practices.
  • La Via Campesina – An international movement representing small-scale farmers and peasants advocating for food sovereignty, social justice, and sustainable agriculture.
  • ETC Group – A Canadian organization addressing the social and environmental impacts of new technologies on agriculture, biodiversity, and food systems.
  • SeedChange Canada – A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biodiversity, seed sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture through community-based seed programs.
  • Regeneration Canada – A non-profit organization promoting regenerative agriculture and land management practices to address environmental and social challenges.
  • Young Agrarians – A network supporting and connecting young farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering the next generation of food producers. A non-profit organization in Canada working to cultivate a local, sustainable food system by supporting small-scale farmers and connecting urban consumers with local food.
  • FarmFolk/CityFolk – A non-profit organization in Canada working to cultivate a local, sustainable food system by supporting small-scale farmers and connecting urban consumers with local food.
  • Neighbours United – An organization focused on community-building and sustainable agriculture initiatives, fostering collaboration between neighbours for shared food production and security.
  • For more, check out ClimateScape’s list of food and agriculture organizations
Existing policies
Key Policies
New policy initiatives
Petitions

Volunteer Positions

Disclaimer: this list includes both organizations that are actively recruiting volunteers as well as organizations that do NOT have current openings.
Please follow their newsletter and socials to be informed when opportunities become available!

Name of Company
Open Positions
Location
Website
Future Ground Network

Multiple

Nationwide
Zero Food Waste Foundation

Multiple

Multiple
UBC Farm

Multiple

Vancouver
Second Harvest

Multiple

Nationwide
World Food Programme

Multiple

Multiple
Food Tank

Multiple

Nationwide
Young Agrarians

Apprenticeship Program

Nationwide
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

Multiple

Multiple
Evergreen

Multiple

Toronto
Village Vancouver Transition Society

Multiple

Vancouver

Job Board

Disclaimer: Certain organizations on this list don't have sustainability as their core purpose, but they have been included because they have strong commitments and recognition for their efforts. For these organizations, only open positions directly contributing to sustainability initiatives or departments will be listed.

Organization
Open Positions
Type of Organization
Location ↓
Remote
Website
Second Harvest

Operations Coordinator

Civil Society
Alberta
Remote
Link
Corbeille de Pain

Food Security Coordinator

Civil Society
Montreal, QC
Hybrid
Link
Island View Farm

Farm Manager

Private Sector
Greater Victoria, BC
In Person
Link
British Columbia Honey Producers Association

Technician in apicultural research

Civil Society
British Columbia
Remote
Link
Goldfarm Canada

Farm Technician

Private Sector
Guelph, ON
In Person
Link
McCain Foods

Sustainability Intern

Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Unknown
Link
Lovingly Made

Food Technologist Assistant

Private Sector
Calgary, AB
Unknown
Link
On the Move Organics

Delivery Driver

Private Sector
London, ON
In Person
Link
Memorial Centre Farmers' Market | Farmers' Market Association Kingston

Marketing Manager – Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market

Civil Society
Kingston, ON
Unknown
Link
Vintage Soil Farm

Field Hand and Market Lead

Private Sector
Frankville, ON
In Person
Link

General List of Employers

Want to learn more about who the potential employers are in this sector? Check out this list to gain a broader understanding of the types of organizations that might be hiring now or in the future, and visit their websites to learn more about getting involved.

Disclaimer: Certain organizations on this list don't have sustainability as their core purpose, but they have been included because they have strong commitments and recognition for their efforts. For these organizations, only open positions directly contributing to sustainability initiatives or departments will be listed.

Organization
Type of Organization
Location ↓
Website
Ojibikaan
Civil Society
Toronto, ON
Link
AmiEs de la Terre de Québec
Civil Society
Quebec City, QC
Link
CARE Canada
Civil Society
Ottawa, ON
Link
ALUS
Civil Society
Toronto, ON
Link
Plant Based Treaty
Civil Society
Toronto, ON
Link
Ecology North
Civil Society
Yellowknife, NWT
Link
MakeWay
Civil Society
Vancouver, BC
Link
Ecotrust Canada
Civil Society
Vancouver & Prince Rupert, BC
Link
Green Communities Canada
Civil Society
Peterborough, ON
Link
Windfall Ecology Centre
Civil Society
Aurora, ON
Link
Clean50
Civil Society
Canada
Link
Future Earth
Civil Society
Montreal, QC
Link
Toronto Environmental Alliance
Civil Society
Toronto, ON
Link
Academy for Sustainable Innovation
Civil Society
Toronto, ON
Link
Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA)
Civil Society
Ottawa, ON
Link
Seed Change
Civil Society
Ottawa, ON
Link
Le Dépôt | The Depot Community Food Centre (through Daniel Rotman)
Civil Society
Montreal, QC
Link
The Canadian Agricultural Youth Council
Civil Society
Canada
Link
Food Secure Canada
Civil Society
Montreal, QC
Link
Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Civil Society
Ottawa, ON
Link
Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA)
Civil Society
Quebec
Link
Marichel educational farm
Private Sector
Sainte-Agathe-de-Lotbinière, QC
Link
Earth Gardens
Private Sector
Saint-Paul-d'Abbotsford, QC
Link
XpertSea
Private Sector
Quebec City, QC
Link
Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
Planting Hope Company
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
PlantX Life
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
Organic Garage
Private Sector
Oakville, ON
Link
Guru Organic Energy
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Village Farms International
Private Sector
Delta, BC
Link
Organto
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
Burcon NutraScience
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
Modern Plant-Based Foods
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
Coop Carbone
Private Sector
Quebec City & Montreal, QC
Link
Just Vertical
Private Sector
Etobicoke, ON
Link
Quintus
Private Sector
Global
Link
Cook It
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Elevate Farms
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
Konscious Foods
Private Sector
Richmond, BC
Link
South Glanton Farms
Private Sector
Forrest, MB
Link
Terramera Inc
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
Shade of Miti
Private Sector
GTA, ON
Link
Manatee Holdings Ltd
Private Sector
Courtenay, BC
Link
Laid Back Snacks
Private Sector
Surrey, BC
Link
GnuSanté
Private Sector
Burnaby, BC
Link
Wise Bites Collections Inc
Private Sector
Richmond, BC
Link
OmniFoods
Private Sector
Hong Kong based
Link
Sollio Cooperative Group
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Lufa Farms
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Beyond Meat
Private Sector
USA based
Link
Impossible Foods
Private Sector
USA based
Link
Axten farms
Private Sector
Minton, SK
Link
Ecotone
Private Sector
France based
Link
illycaffè
Private Sector
Italy based
Link
Grainstone
Private Sector
Australia based
Link
Amy's Kitchen
Private Sector
USA based
Link
Coconut Bowls™
Private Sector
Australia based
Link
The Tracklement Company Limited
Private Sector
UK based
Link
Future Kind
Private Sector
USA based
Link
NadaMoo!
Private Sector
Canada
Link
Näak
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
emeyu
Private Sector
Canada
Link
Fourmi Bionique
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Zevia
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
100km Foods Inc.
Private Sector
North York, ON
Link
Tality Kombucha
Private Sector
North Vancouver, BC
Link
Fatso
Private Sector
Sussex, NB
Link
Lulubelle & Co
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Ozery Family Bakery
Private Sector
Vaughan, ON
Link
Fresh Prep
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC & Calgary, AB
Link
Hippie Snacks
Private Sector
Burnaby, BC
Link
SucSeed
Private Sector
St. John's, NL
Link
Truly Turmeric/ Naledo Foods and Beverages Inc
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
FoodMesh
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
SPUD
Private Sector
Burnaby, BC
Link
Organic Ocean Seafood Inc.
Private Sector
Richmond, BC
Link
Salt Spring Coffee
Private Sector
Richmond, BC
Link
Tease
Private Sector
Canada
Link
Lucky Iron Life
Private Sector
Guelph, ON
Link
Ocean Brands
Private Sector
Richmond, BC
Link
Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co
Private Sector
Huntsville, ON
Link
Chickapea
Private Sector
Collingwood, ON
Link
Greenhouse Juice
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
Fody Foods
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Flow Alkaline Spring Water
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
GROSCHE International Inc.
Private Sector
Cambridge, ON
Link
Open Farm Pet
Private Sector
Canada
Link
Orbital Farm
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
Earth Alive Clean Technologies
Private Sector
Montreal, QC
Link
Modgarden
Private Sector
Canada
Link
Groupe AGECO
Private Sector
Quebec, Quebec
Link
Pond Technologies
Private Sector
Markham, ON
Link
Vivecrop
Private Sector
Toronto, ON
Link
Semios
Private Sector
Vancouver, BC
Link
Farm Credit Canada
Private Sector
Regina, SK
Link
AET Group Inc
Private Sector
Kitchener, ON
Link
ALT TEX
Private
Kitchener, ON
Link
Zone Agtech
Private
Ville de L'Assomption, QC
Link
Career Development Resources
Career Advice Interviews
Leveraging LinkedIn
  • Explore Green Career Centre’s LinkedIn Maximization Guide
  • Read through Green Career Centre’s LinkedIn Sustainability Influencers to Follow articles from 2022 and 2023.  
  • We also recommend following us on LinkedIn, where we regularly share opportunities, resources, and news related to the clean economy.

Networking & Interview Prep

Job Search Resources
  • This report provides a helpful toolkit, case studies, and tips for BIPOC/BAME youth to develop self-knowledge, prepare for job hunting, increase their competence, build sustainability experience, and nurture well-being.
  • Visit Green Career Centre’s Job Application Tracker to manage your applications, update progress, and interview prep. 
  • Check out GoodWork's Job Search Tips & Resources for proactive strategies to find and land the right opportunity.
  • Many job search experts agree that most jobs belong to the hidden job market. To learn about navigating this, read Hidden Sustainability Jobs and Tapping the Hidden Job Market.