Canada's plant-based food and agriculture sector is set to take a prominent international stage as the flagship Plant Forward conference prepares for its Prairie debut in Saskatoon in 2026. Protein Industries Canada, in collaboration with Pulse Canada and Plant-Based Foods of Canada, has announced that Plant Forward on the Prairies will be held at TCU Place in Saskatoon from September 21 to 23, 2026.
Prairie Hub Chosen for Global Showcase
This marks the third edition of the premier conference but the first time it will be hosted outside of central Canada. The move to Saskatoon is a strategic decision designed to place a direct spotlight on the heart of the nation's agricultural production. Organizers aim to underscore the strength, scale, and critical importance of Canada's value-added food and agriculture sector, which is anchored in the Prairie provinces.
The event will position Canada, renowned for its crop production, ingredient innovation, and sustainable farming, as the ideal setting to demonstrate its capacity as a reliable and innovative partner within the global food system.
Government and Industry Backing for Growth
The conference has garnered support from federal ministers, highlighting its national significance. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, stated that Plant Forward on the Prairies acts as a cornerstone for showcasing Canadian leadership in plant-based innovation. She emphasized that as global demand for resilient food systems grows, Canadian producers are proving why the country is a natural source for high-quality, sustainable ingredients.
Echoing this sentiment, The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, noted that Canada is a trusted global supplier. He said the event provides a vital platform for the sector to display innovative products to an international audience, fostering new trade, collaboration, and long-term growth opportunities by connecting Canadian companies with global buyers.
A Confluence for the Global Value Chain
Designed as a must-attend event for global leaders in ingredients and food, Plant Forward on the Prairies will convene a diverse group of participants. This includes industry executives, international buyers, investors, researchers, and thought leaders from across the entire value chain.
The core mission is to help Canadian ingredient and food companies forge concrete commercial relationships and solidify the country's reputation as a trusted supplier and collaborator. Building on past successes, the 2026 event will feature curated networking sessions, product discovery opportunities, and exhibitions specifically tailored to connect Canadian innovation with global market demand.
The announcement sets the stage for Saskatoon to become the epicenter of plant-based food dialogue in 2026, directly linking Prairie agricultural prowess with worldwide culinary and sustainability trends.
