Meet Our Speakers - Lauren Martin

Name: Lauren Martin

Title: Government and Food Industry Relations Manager for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself: What made you become interested/involved in the food system?

I have always been interested in the food system, since I was little. I grew up on a farm, so I was already immersed in the agricultural community. Environment and business are intertwined, so when I went to university, I decided to study the environment and business. From there, I went to law school, and then worked with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and local food initiatives. Currently, I am a lobbyist working with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, allowing me to work with food policy makers and allowing my interest to be more broad rather than just corporate. Working with government and public relations has allowed me to be more creative, and to create laws that I am passionate about , laws that have not yet been advocated for.

Q: Tell us a bit about your work: what do you do/research/teach/practice? And how does it relate to or involve the governance of food or food systems?

Rather than researching, teaching, or practicing, I would say as a lobbyist, I advocate environmental issues on exports and imports. I am also involved in food labelling, more specifically on the beef labelling and how that affects consumer choices.

I think the food system is so complex and there are so many spectrums to it. I am glad that more young adults are becoming interested and involved in the food system; that they are working to understand this complexity.

Beef production is only one section of the food system. It is interrelated to other meats such as bison, sheep, and lamb. Within the food system, cattle can affect the ecosystem and grasslands which shows the interactions within the food system.

Q: What is an ongoing and/or emerging food law and policy issue that you have come across through your work that you feel is important and/or urgent and why? What is at stake?

Consumer understanding of how food is produced is important, which will require more learning through time. Conferences such as the one coming up are helpful for people to learn more about corporate and local agriculture and how they can be brought together in the food system more holistically. This will bring organization, and help people get their voice together.

Q: Can you give us a hint of something you will talk about at the conference?

I will be talking about territoriality; how we manage our territory and what cattle’s place is within the food system.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self?

Ask yourself the tough questions and be open to new opportunities. Life is “an onion” that peels and reveals new layers and new questions. It is a “pandora’s box” with new unexpected gifts.