BEYOND QUALIFIED

There’s often no need for a brief when you work with us. We know Canadian agriculture and agri-food and we know the people that make it great. It’s a sector we love, and we’re committed to seeing it prosper. Learn more about our purpose.

BEYOND VISION

Everything we do at Synthesis is driven by our desire to make an impact in a sector that we are committed to see prosper. Put simply, our purpose at Synthesis is:

  • To support progress in agri-business
  • To drive innovation and efficiency for farm business owners
  • So that they can continue to advance agriculture and how we produce food for the world.

Our deep understanding is what puts us steps ahead before we even get started. You don’t have to explain industry nuances. We pride ourselves on hitting the mark for clients on our first attempt. That makes us efficient and delivers you great value.

Our areas of expertise

Plant Science

Plant Science

Plant Science

Synthesis has a proven track record of supporting clients in the areas of crop protection and biotechnology. Our team members have worked in this sector for decades – well before the first biotech products were approved in Canada. We even have an in-house PhD in molecular biology and genetics for technical support. The team is adept at translating technical plant science information into impactful messaging and graphics that inform global influencers. We also support plant science organizations with stakeholder consultation and integrated communication campaigns.

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Grains and Seed

Grains & Seed Sectors

Grains & Seed Sectors

We’re not shy to say that Synthesis has the deepest understanding of the grains and seed sectors of any consulting firm in Canada. From pulses and oilseeds to cereals and row crops, we understand the sector from lab to seed and harvest to market. Our client director has been honing his knowledge since his early days on the family grain farm. Today, he is trusted for his business insights and practical approach. He has cultivated a team of pros who deliver research strategy, stakeholder consultation, communication campaigns, digital tools and more to grain and seed clients.

 

Animal Science

Animal Agriculture

Animal Agriculture

The Synthesis team has both technical and practical knowledge of issues of importance to animal agriculture, including food safety, traceability, animal health, and the Canadian Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals. We have a track record of working successfully with governments and associations in the livestock and poultry sector to develop assurance programs and industry solutions, from research to knowledge transfer. Our team also has expertise in third-party auditing and verification, including a qualified auditor for the Canadian Verified Sheep Program.

 

Technology Stewardship

Technology Stewardship

Technology Stewardship

The Synthesis team has a passion for technology stewardship. Several clients count on us to help them deliver important messages about stewardship of agricultural technologies. We take pride in our work – everything from awareness campaigns to compliance training. We’re committed to helping ensure that industry has the tools to promote best management practices that will preserve the technologies that are vital to sustainable agricultural production.

 

Exports/Trade Market Access

Exports/Trade Market Access

At Synthesis, we know how vital export market access and trade are to the health of Canadian agriculture and the economy in general. We’ve worked to address barriers and to support open access to foreign markets for Canadian agricultural products through harmonized trade rules, demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices and improved industry coordination and communication.

 

Food & Nutrition

Food & Nutrition

At Synthesis, we have agri-food expertise from gate to plate. Our knowledge in the area of food and nutrition serves as a strong foundation as we help clients address challenges and achieve results. We’ve successfully branded a new grain for consumers and have embarked on a national campaign for wheat nutrition. Close connections with food processors and dietitians as well as a team member with a PhD in human health and nutritional sciences are just part of our recipe for success.

 

BEYOND COMMUNICATIONS

Other communications agencies offer writing and graphic design, but do they also have an in-depth understanding of agri-food? This intel is the secret weapon that allows us to deliver insightful communications and captivating creative that resonates with the target audience. And because we’re also strategists, we can deliver communications campaigns that help to achieve your business goals.

Our communications services include:

Awareness building
The Synthesis team has deep experience in creating and executing awareness and education campaigns. Whether it’s introducing ideas, gaining support or changing minds, we use the right tone and tools to communicate effectively.

Knowledge transfer
Our team has unique capacity to translate complex scientific research and ideas into phrases and visuals that get information across quickly and effectively. We help convert research into meaningful change.

Demand creation
Writing and designing to build demand are unique skills. Our experienced team can develop and execute a full sales communications strategy or offer support as needed for agriculture and food companies at any stage of development.

Corporate communications
Synthesis has a history of successfully helping organizations share their accomplishments and vision with stakeholders and the public. Our work includes everything from initial strategic planning to naming and brand development to full communications plans.

BEYOND CONSULTATION

We believe that effective stakeholder consultation is a key to the future success of the Canadian agriculture. Because it’s a complex sector made up of complicated value chains and vast stakeholders, the ability to moving diverse groups toward a common goal requires a unique skill set. Research strategy is another area where we excel. We’re recognized for our ability to synthesize information quickly and effectively – whether it’s summarizing a facilitated group discussion or analyzing data from research studies. We now offer a digital facilitation platform that unleashes new potential in stakeholder collaboration.

Synthesis consultation services are effective and unique because of our ability to:

  • Create the right environment for engagement
  • Objectively observe and listen
  • Quickly clarify and summarize stakeholder input
  • Deliver insights and actionable recommendations
  • Flexibility to offer virtual consultations both live and on-demand

BEYOND TECHNOLOGY

We combine our knowledge of ag with cutting edge technology to deliver apps and platforms that meet the needs of a unique, science driven industry. AgNition merged with Synthesis to expand our digital development solutions and extension services. Our tools have increased efficiency and modernized production systems, field research and knowledge transfer.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

Delivering top-quality work is a given, it’s the process of getting there that should never be taken for granted. We want to exceed your expectations all along the way. Process and project management guides our work, but that doesn’t mean we’re not adaptable. We’re some of the most responsive, versatile, flexible people you’ll ever meet. That’s because we’re committed to our clients and we really care.

Check out what our clients are saying about us:

“The team at Synthesis Agri-food Network has provided our organization deep insights into the agri-food sector, which has helped our projects and programs become successful year over year. Their commitment to quality and on-time delivery has made their services integral to how we do business.”

~Ashley Honsberger, Executive Director, Agri-food Management Institute

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Synthesis on a number of communications projects and they have consistently delivered quality results on time and on budget. Throughout each project it was evident they were partners, not just providers. The Synthesis team has taken the time to understand the needs of our organization to deliver effective communications strategies for our target audiences.”

~Ian Affleck, Vice-President, Plant Biotechnology, CropLife Canada

“We work with Synthesis on fully integrated multi-media communication campaigns. They understand our target audience and know how to reach them. The team is highly responsive and adaptive. That agility makes a big difference to OSCIA.”

~John Laidlaw, Manager of Field Delivery, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association

“I have worked with Synthesis for more than 10 years on a number of communications projects and I have always been satisfied with the results. Synthesis has a dedicated team of professionals who understand the ag sector and deliver excellent communications.”

~Mike Espeseth, Communications Manager, Western Grains Research Foundation

“The Synthesis team has always been so easy to work with. Very communicative in their approach, while bringing valuable solutions to problems that have come up in doing a big rebrand to our website. We would recommend them for any web development work.”

~Denise Rollin, Project Manager, Farm Management Canada

“It’s great to see the ripple effect that this campaign is having. Our Directors have expressed that this campaign has surpassed their expectations. Kudos to the Synthesis team!”

~Jennifer Green, Executive Director, Canadian Biogas Association

“Just a brief note to express my appreciation for the effort you invested in this initiative. You have researched and utilized well the available information to produce a brochure that will prove to be a very useful handout when meeting current or potential clients. In short, thank you and best wishes for a project well undertaken and completed.”

~Ron Davidson, Executive Director, Soy Canada

“We loved working with Synthesis on our provincial stakeholder session. Participants loved giving input in advance in Synthesis’s Online Workspace.It made the virtual session more powerful and the facilitation by Rob Hannam was excellent. He kept us on track and made everyone feel their input was valued. Incredibly positive feedback by participants directly mentioning Rob’s skills and the entire process. Well worth it!”

~Sue Clayton, Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba

BEYOND TALENTED

Our assets are our people. We’ve built a strong team full of smart, experienced, results-driven professionals. We’re known for our integrity, our hard-work ethic and for being downright nice to work with. The same goes for the network of partners we bring to the table depending on your project needs. This adds up to a full roster of people with diverse skills and a common goal – to support advancements in agri-business and to improve and simplify the lives of farm business owners.

See who’s on our team

Claire Cowan
Claire Cowan

Claire Cowan

Client Director

“Claire excels at strategic planning and communications. She brings her creatively driven and logically guided approach to problem solving and achieving client goals.”

Rob Hannam
Rob Hannam

Rob Hannam

President

“Rob has cultivated an impressive agri-food network and is trusted for his business insights and practical approach.”

Michael Black
Michael Black

Michael Black

Digital Team Lead

“Michael is a leader in web projects, managing and providing support for client websites, learning management systems, digital publications, and other web-based solutions.”

Sarah Adrian
Sarah Adrian

Sarah Adrian

Creative Director

“Sarah is a rare blend of art and ag. She combines a passion for art with her love of agriculture to deliver impactful, creative solutions.”

Jenn Hause
Jenn Hause

Jennifer Hause

Production Manager

“Jenn is a master at developing budgets, creating schedules, managing the production process and art directing designers to ensure the client’s message is clear.”

Jen Woodall
Jen Woodall

Jen Woodall

Account Manager

“Jen excels at project management and is passionate about driving results. She loves to leverage her team’s skills to deliver beyond client expectations.”

Chris Paterson
Chris Paterson

Chris Paterson

Web Developer

“Chris tackles all of our web project needs by utilizing two decades of experience in the IT and marketing industry.”

Morgan MacTavish
Morgan MacTavish

Morgan MacTavish

Communications Account Coordinator

“Morgan brings the team together with her detail-oriented approach to projects and campaigns. She combines her agri-food experience with project management skills to deliver results that help her clients and team achieve success.”

Rachel Luo

Rachel Luo

Consulting Project Manager

“Rachel has an impressive background in agribusiness and economics. She has a deep understanding of the current issues facing the agriculture industry and the skillset to help solve them.”

Cara Scheerer
Cara Scheerer

Cara Scheerer

Graphic Designer

“Cara combines a passion for design and creativity with a proficiency in design software. She brings a high degree of skill to graphic layout and production with a keen eye to detail.”

Lorraine Stevenson-Hall
Lorraine Stevenson-Hall

Lorraine Stevenson-Hall

Project Manager

Lorraine brings more than 15 years of agri-expertise to the team with a deep understanding of biosecurity, on-farm food safety, traceability, and animal welfare.

Jeanine Moyer

Jeanine Moyer

Public Relations & Content Specialist

“Whether working on her farm or for Synthesis clients, Jeanine knows how to get the job done. She’s a skilled writer and PR expert who can effectively and impactfully reach all types of audiences.”

Jill Sauter
Jill Sauter

Jill Sauter

Account Manager

“Jill is experienced in all aspects of strategic marketing from research and forecasting to planning and execution.”

BEYOND SYNTHESIS

At Synthesis, we believe strongly in supporting progress in agri-business and in driving efficiency for farm business owners. That’s why Synthesis is proudly part owner of these innovative companies: