OUR TEAM

The FoodBridge Team

Nadine Bachand - Analyst and Project Manager

Nadine is passionate about creating collaborative projects that accelerate the transition to more resilient food systems.

An environmental professional for over 25 years, she spent two decades with Équiterre, where she developed deep expertise in agricultural issues and the challenges of adopting agro-environmental practices. A skilled communicator and mobilizer, she has led numerous awareness-raising and engagement initiatives in support of sustainable agriculture.

Nadine holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Université du Québec à Montréal. She is now an Analyst and Project Manager at FoodBridge, where she plays a central role in developing and leading value chain initiatives in Quebec — acting as a key bridge between farmers, agronomists, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Shamaïla Basharat - Project Coordinator

Shamaïla is an agronomist who combines scientific expertise with a strategic approach to support the transition of food systems toward more responsible models.

She has experience coordinating sustainability projects in the agri-food and cosmetics sectors. She worked with the L’Occitane Group as Biodiversity and Water Project Manager, where she assessed the water footprint of its supply chains and other activities, and with Groupe Vivadour as Sustainability and ESG Project Manager.

Shamaïla holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy, with a specialization in sustainability strategies and agri-sourced value chains for the luxury sector, from École d’Ingénieurs de Purpan, as well as a Master’s degree in Environment and Sustainable Development from Université de Montréal. After a 6 month internship she is now Project Coordinator at FoodBridge, where she supports the team in project coordination, external communications and events.

Clara Drolet-Lauzon - Intern

Clara Drolet-Lauzon is a graduate student in Territorial Planning and Local Development at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). She is interested in territorial dynamics and sustainable food systems and aims to deepen her understanding of the drivers supporting the agro-environmental transition.

As part of her six-month internship at FoodBridge, Clara supports our collaborative projects by contributing to the mapping of sustainable agricultural practices in Quebec and exploring collective incentives that encourage their adoption across Canada and North America.

Elizabeth (Beth) Hunter - Executive Director

Beth doesn’t just plant ideas, she grows entire ecosystems. A food systems visionary, she turns conversations into collective action.

Her career is marked by significant initiatives: at the McConnell Foundation, she served as Program Director, leading national programs on sustainable food systems, climate, and reconciliation. A co-founder of Équiterre and its Community Supported Agriculture network, she also coordinated Greenpeace Canada’s campaign on responsible seafood sourcing in supermarkets. She later worked with Nature United and co-authored a sustainable agriculture framework for philanthropy with the Transition Accelerator.

Beth holds a Master’s degree in Rural Economics from Laval University. She is now the founder and Executive Director of FoodBridge. Recipient of Canada’s 2026 Clean50, she has been recognized nationally for her key role in advancing agricultural transition and strengthening resilient, sustainable supply chains in Canada.

Stacie Irwin - Program Manager

Raised on an organic dairy and grain farm in Ontario, Stacie combines hands-on agricultural knowledge with expertise in market research, stakeholder engagement, and value chain coordination.

With more than 15 years of experience, she led the Feed BC program at the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, which focused on increasing local food purchasing in institutional supply chains. Earlier in her career, she spent ten years working on agricultural development initiatives in West Africa and Asia, strengthening regional value chains and expanding market opportunities for hundreds of food producers.

Stacie holds a Master’s degree in Globalization, Business and Development from the University of Sussex and a Bachelor’s degree in International Rural and Agricultural Development from the University of Guelph. She is now Program Manager at FoodBridge, where she manages and develops partnerships in Ontario supply chains and coordinates our pan-Canadian Community of Practice.

Yourianne Plante - Program Director

Yourianne stands out for her ability to craft narratives that inspire and mobilize. She brings her expertise to projects built around a shared vision: sustainable and resilient food systems.

For more than 15 years, she has held management and public affairs roles in the agri-food and environmental sectors. She has collaborated with leading organizations such as Lufa Farms, Eco Entreprises Québec, and the Quebec Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association, contributing to collective initiatives and strengthening the local roots of food production.

Yourianne holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Université de Sherbrooke and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Université du Québec à Montréal. She is now Program Director at FoodBridge, where she plays a key role in value chain projects in Quebec, developing partnerships with food companies, processors, and retailers.

Linsey Van Koppen - Analyst and Project coordinator

Trained in soil science and environmental science, Linsey has a strong analytical foundation and the ability to navigate between scientific data and agricultural realities.

For more than six years, she has worked at the intersection of agricultural research and applied projects. She has held research and coordination roles with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in British Columbia, as well as with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business (OMAFA) and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), contributing to soil health research, applied initiatives, and producer-focused programs.

Linsey holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph. She is now an Analyst and Project Coordinator at FoodBridge, where she supports research, analysis, and project coordination for value-chain and sustainability initiatives in Ontario.

Advisors

Advisors play a consultative role with FoodBridge. Their experience and understanding of the sector help guide our projects and inform our strategic decisions.