The Canadian agriculture sector is preparing for another year of innovation and collaboration as *Agriculture Enlightened 2025* approaches, with legal firm MLT Aikins stepping in as a gold sponsor for the October 23 event in Winnipeg. Hosted by EMILI (Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative), the annual conference has established itself as a key gathering for agri-food and technology stakeholders—from producers and researchers to industry leaders—since its debut in 2020.
This year’s theme, *Driving Agriculture Innovation*, reflects the sector’s growing focus on agtech adoption and the evolving global trade environment. Attendees will explore how smart farming technologies are reshaping operations, with a particular emphasis on regulatory challenges and practical applications. Among the highlights is a session led by MLT Aikins lawyers Erika Carrasco and Nicolas Joubert, who will dissect the legal landscape surrounding spray drones and emerging agtech regulations.
Carrasco, a specialist in commercial aviation law and emerging technologies, brings expertise in remotely piloted systems (RPAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). Her work has influenced regulatory frameworks for next-gen flight technologies, making her insights particularly relevant as drones gain traction in precision agriculture. Joubert, meanwhile, advises on technology transactions and intellectual property, helping agribusinesses navigate digital transformations—an area of increasing importance as farms integrate AI, automation, and data-driven tools.
Their session will not only address legal considerations but also feature perspectives from researchers and operators testing spray drones for more efficient input application. The discussion arrives at a pivotal moment: as drone technology advances, producers must balance innovation with compliance, ensuring new tools align with Transport Canada’s evolving regulations.
Beyond drones, the conference will offer keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities designed to foster cross-industry collaboration. For MLT Aikins, the event aligns with its broader focus on agribusiness and technology law, where lawyers from its Agribusiness & Food and Technology, IP and Privacy groups engage with clients navigating the intersection of innovation and regulation.
As the agtech sector expands, events like *Agriculture Enlightened* serve as critical platforms for sharing knowledge and shaping the future of Canadian farming. With registration now open, the conference promises to be a key stop for those driving—or looking to understand—the next wave of agricultural progress.