What We Do
Our work extends beyond the conventional boundaries of agriculture. We strive to be a visionary organization that envisions a world where food production and consumption go hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Through collaborative efforts, Reimagine Agriculture works to reshape perceptions, practices, and policies related to the food system, fundamentally changing the way we grow, distribute, and consume our food.
Our Origin Story
As an environmental governance graduate, I had become somewhat numb to the seemingly endless stream of negative headlines about our environment--" climate change," "pollution," "food shortages," and "drought," to name a few. In 2018, the red brick walls of my Toronto-based apartment started to close in around me; I felt overwhelmed by the world's problems and realized I had to take action.
As I skimmed the surface, it became apparent that agriculture plays a significant role in these global issues. I spent the following months trawling through paperwork, literature, and policy in hopes of developing a deep understanding of the impacts of our current food system. I saw how agriculture has detrimental impacts on the environment and public health while promoting a cultural mindset that lacks compassion and ignores equitability.
Out of frustration and hope, Reimagine Agriculture was born. With our sights set on addressing inefficiencies in the Canadian agriculture system, we began focusing on solutions to the industry's most prominent issues.
We quickly gained momentum, growing a team of educated, experienced and passionate individuals while making meaningful connections in the community. From the beginning, Reimagine Agriculture has been dedicated to connecting Canadians with their food systems so that, together, we can create a safe and sustainable world.
We take an evidence-based approach focused on converting big dreams into actionable solutions. Although we work to tackle these issues on a systemic level, our team is here to help you take tangible steps towards creating a food-secure and climate-stable world for current and future generations. Together, we can reimagine agriculture, and we can't wait for you to join us!
The Team
There's no way we could do the work we do without the hard work and dedication of everyone behind Reimagine Agriculture. Every team member is an indispensable piece of our operation who has made significant contributions to our work.
Want to join us? Current openings can be found on our Take Action page.
Allison Penner (She/Her)
Executive Director
Allison is incredibly passionate about addressing the critical issues in the agricultural sector. Bringing a degree in Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph and experience in campaigning and policy work, she delights in using a variety of tools to transform the food system. When she's not hard at work transforming the agricultural sector, you can find her keeping busy cooking delicious meals, exercising or reading every book she can get her hands on.
Sarah-Emanuel (She/Her)
Fundraising Specialist
Sarah is an International Studies and Modern Languages graduate with experience and passion for policy and diversity. Currently working as a philanthropy analysis coordinator, Sarah lends her expertise to our fundraising team. She is acutely aware of the links between human activity and the climate crisis and has decided to take action through volunteering.
Sophia Ma (She/Her)
Marketing and Outreach Assistant
Sophia is a computer science and business student at Western University who is passionate about approaching environmental and socioeconomic issues through a multidisciplinary lens. She is excited to grow the community around climate advocacy and sustainable agriculture. Outside of being a student, she is an avid event-planner, hiker, and plant mom.
Lydia Lavis (She/Her)
Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Lydia grew up on a hobby farm in rural British Columbia where she tried to tend to and harvest crops before the local wildlife did it for her. She completed a Bachelor of Sciences and a Master of Arts at Brock University, during which she found a disparity between the knowledge being produced and shared among researchers and the knowledge being shared and applied within the community. Thus, she is very excited to have the opportunity to help bridge that gap in the agricultural field as Knowledge Mobilization Lead at Reimagine Agriculture.
Moah Christensen (she/her)
Policy Coordinator
Moah Christensen is a researcher and analyst specializing in sustainability, focusing on integrating evidence-based solutions and social justice frameworks. Her expertise spans analyzing governmental policies, designing impactful projects, and crafting messaging strategies to attract funding. A skilled popular science writer, Moah brings curiosity and insights to every conversation, making her an excellent dinner guest with a knack for sharing fascinating, obscure facts.
Lucas Porter (He/Him)
Board Member
Lucas brings a dedication to environmental sustainability and a passion for climate change mitigation to the team. He holds a Master's in Environmental Studies from York University and an honours BA in Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph. He has a wide array of experience across the environmental non-profit sector with a focus on recycling and waste reduction. In his current role with the Municipality of Clarington, Lucas is advancing the municipality's corporate climate action plan and creating its electric vehicle acquisition strategy. In his spare time, Lucas can be found cycling around the city, getting lost in a forest, or volunteering in art spaces.
Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Reimagine Agriculture acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations. Please read our full land acknowledgement here.