Jim Hole

In this session, Jim Hole explores the next evolution of food supply through vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture, and hyper-local sourcing. Drawing on global innovations and his own international work, including projects in the Middle East, he examines how countries are rethinking food systems in the face of climate change, urbanization, and rising costs.

Attendees will gain insight into how vertical gardens and advanced greenhouse technologies are reducing the cost to grow, ship, and distribute food, while improving sustainability and food security. With his expertise in both traditional horticulture and cutting-edge agricultural science, Jim connects the economics of food production with the urgent need for local solutions that can scale globally.

In this session, Jim Hole explores the critical intersection of agriculture, environmental responsibility, and long-term business sustainability. With global pressures reshaping how farmers grow, sell, and connect with their markets, Jim shares compelling stories and valuable lessons drawn from his own decades-long journey through the evolving landscape of horticulture and commercial farming.

From climate challenges and shifting consumer demands to new crop opportunities like cannabis, hemp, and culturally specific foods, Jim examines the complex realities facing modern producers. Whether farming grains, livestock, or ornamental crops, he emphasizes the growing importance of environmental accountability—not just as a trend, but as a key to long-term viability and generational trust. Delivered with his signature mix of humor and insight, this presentation will engage audiences with both practical strategies and big-picture perspective.

In this session, Jim Hole unpacks the complexities behind today’s most sought-after food labels—organic, natural, and locally grown—revealing both their legal definitions and their ethical implications. As consumer demand shifts toward cleaner, healthier, and more transparent food systems, Jim explores the growing appetite for sustainably produced goods, antibiotic-free meats, and the appeal of the 100-mile diet.

With deep roots in Canadian agriculture and decades of experience bringing food from soil to market, Jim shares valuable insights on what it takes to grow responsibly, market effectively, and meet rising consumer expectations. Through engaging stories and practical knowledge, he challenges audiences to rethink what is possible in Canadian agriculture and how local food systems can thrive economically and environmentally.

In this session, Jim Hole takes audiences on a compelling journey through the future of agriculture, where population growth, land scarcity, and evolving consumer demands are reshaping how the world grows food. With over 8.7 billion people on the planet and rising, the agricultural sector is being pushed to innovate faster than ever. From drone-assisted crop monitoring to autonomous machinery, advanced irrigation systems, and precision greenhousing, modern farming is undergoing a technological revolution that is both efficient and increasingly sustainable.

Jim explores the broader economic, political, and sociological forces influencing agriculture today, including the strategic acquisition of farmland by influential investors and the shifting patterns of global supply and demand. He provides clear-eyed analysis and practical perspective on what this means for farmers, consumers, and future food security. With warmth, clarity, and depth, Jim encourages audiences to rethink their relationship with food production and offers a powerful vision of how we can all play a role in the next chapter of agriculture’s evolution.

In this session, Jim Hole examines the profound transformation underway in modern agriculture, as traditional family farms give way to industrialized operations and urban migration reshapes the farming workforce. With the rise of precision technology—ranging from drone surveillance to targeted irrigation systems and advances in genetics—today’s farmers are challenged to think strategically, technologically, and globally. Jim offers a thought-provoking exploration of how large-scale food systems are evolving, and what that means for the future of food production, distribution, and sustainability.

Through practical insight and forward-thinking perspective, Jim addresses the pressing questions today’s producers must ask: What crops meet today’s demand? How can farmers balance local and international markets? What role should sustainability and environmental ethics play in long-term planning? With a blend of industry knowledge and approachable storytelling, Jim empowers audiences to adopt a new philosophy of farming—one that embraces innovation, remains economically viable, and contributes meaningfully to climate and social resilience.

In this session, Jim Hole explores the rising global movement of urban agriculture and its profound impact on community, sustainability, and personal well-being. As more of the world’s population migrates to cities—83 percent of Canadians among them—the need to reconnect with food production has never been more urgent. From community gardens to rooftop farms and indoor vertical systems, Jim examines how urbanites are reclaiming their role in the food cycle and taking small but meaningful steps toward environmental stewardship.

With insights rooted in horticultural science and lived experience, Jim highlights how growing food in the city is more than just a practical solution—it is a cultural and spiritual return to the land. Gardening offers more than nourishment; it fosters connection, promotes mental health, and inspires a collective sense of purpose. Audiences will leave this session not only informed about innovative forms of urban farming but also energized to become part of a growing movement that values sustainability, community resilience, and the joy of growing something with your own two hands.

Studies show that when we connect in nature and in breathing fresh air, our stress levels decrease, and we can detach from our busy minds for our everyday thinking. Having a hobby which involves mental and physical stimulation, along with the ability to see results fruition through strategy and work, gives us more confidents and peace. Growing clean, mineralized food and sharing the produce with loved ones or those in need, gives us purpose to master our gardens. Jim outlines the connection between gardening and mental well-being. He shares stories of his own life and of those he has impacted through the gardening experience.

This session explores how intelligent technologies are revolutionizing the future of farming. Jim Hole draws on real-world applications from around the globe to demonstrate how AI, automation, sensor-based monitoring, and data-driven crop management are transforming the agricultural landscape. He shares insight into what tools are worth the investment, how small and large farms can adapt, and where the next wave of innovation will take roots. With a grounded perspective informed by hands-on experience, Jim shows how technological integration can lead to better yields, lower environmental impact, and stronger farm resilience in the face of climate and market volatility.