Learning And Connecting At The Wheat Retreat

The Wheat Retreat, held in Winnipeg from April 30 to May 2, 2025, was a fantastic event that brought together people who care about Canadian wheat – from industry experts to food communicators. Hosted by the Canadian Wheat Nutrition Initiative at Cereals Canada, the retreat was all about celebrating Canadian wheat and learning everything there is to know about nutrition, quality, sustainability, and more.

For Canadian Food Focus and its stakeholders, attending the Wheat Retreat is a big deal. It’s a chance to strengthen our role as a trusted, independent voice in the ag industry. Being there means we get to learn directly from the wheat experts and the What About Wheat Scientific Advisory Committee. These are the people who really know their stuff, and hearing from them firsthand helps us stay on top of the latest science and facts about wheat. That way, we can confidently share accurate, science-backed information with our audiences.

One of the coolest parts of the retreat was the hands-on learning at Cereals Canada’s technical facilities. We got to see how wheat is analyzed and milled and even took part in fun activities like making sourdough bread and cooking bannock over an open fire. These experiences make the science real and relatable, which is so helpful when we’re explaining the benefits of wheat to others.

But it’s not just about learning. It’s also about connecting. The Wheat Retreat brought together a great mix of scientists, dietitians, chefs, millers, food processors, and food communicators. This mix creates a perfect environment to network, share ideas, and build relationships. For Canadian Food Focus, these connections are key. They help us collaborate with Cereals Canada’s resource people and the What About Wheat team, making sure we have the best resources and support for our work.

The retreat also helps us understand what questions people have about wheat, from how it is grown to its nutritional value and how it works in different foods. This insight is incredibly valuable because it means we can tailor our messaging to what really matters to consumers. After all, What About Wheat wants Canadians to feel good about choosing wheat-based foods for themselves and their families. And Canadian Food Focus shares that mission!

By attending the Wheat Retreat, Canadian Food Focus is better equipped to answer questions about wheat. We come away with fresh knowledge and new skills to communicate in a way that’s clear, trustworthy, and engaging. Plus, the retreat inspires us to keep championing Canadian wheat and all the people behind it. We are already working on new content!