Meet Carla Berquó: Manager, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine
As Manager of Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, Carla Berquó is enthusiastic about helping our members and partners Connect, Innovate & Grow through The Engine. She cultivated a love for food and agriculture through her cheerful upbringing on a small farm in the South of Brazil. “We ate what the farm gave us. Food was never wasted,” Carla reflects. Exposure to plentiful fruit trees, and the ever-present aroma of homemade dishes and desserts made her a true foodie at heart.
She brings a wealth of project management, marketing and global communications expertise to the team, stemming from past work with private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and the highest levels of government. Carla’s vibrant curiosity, upbeat personality and sincere passion for innovation combine seamlessly in her role, making her a trusted touchpoint for building a more collaborative ag-tech network across Canada.
Location: Guelph, ON
Describe yourself in three words:
I am passionate, reliable and upbeat.
What is your favourite part about working at Bioenterprise?
Getting to know so many innovative companies and products. Food and ag-tech is a vast industry and there are lots of talented entrepreneurs out there creating amazing businesses that will make a difference. Their passion and tenacity are very inspiring.
What is your connection to food and/or agriculture?
My dad was an agriculturalist in the South of Brazil, and I grew up on a small farm. We ate what the farm gave us. Food was never wasted. I had a very healthy childhood. My favorites were our orchard with 17 types of fruit, our water well and our piglet, Faustina. She loved peaches. My mom always made homemade bread, delicious food, and desserts. I grew up loving food and I enjoy cooking very much. I self-identify as an epicure.
What meal or dessert is a family favourite in your household?
Too many to list, but I think it is safe to say that my mom’s cheese soufflé is a favourite. A few years ago, Mom gave me the dish she has made the famous soufflé in for 60 years. It sure is a family heirloom. I guard it with all my heart and all the wonderful memories of our family meals.
Which TV series are you watching right now?
I usually watch more than one series simultaneously. I am about to finish watching Good Girls, but I am also watching Kim’s Convenience and Schitt’s Creek.
What do you think is the future of agriculture?
Agriculture (food) is vital for the future of humankind. I believe technology will play a big role in the coming years. Farms will need to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. New concepts like sustainable farming and smart farms are here to stay. The concern is real, but the possibilities are warranting. I am fascinated by the opportunities ahead of us.
One resource that every agri-food/agri-tech entrepreneur should know about:
Bioenterprise’s know-how in ag-tech and the breath of expertise held by our Innovation Advisors are invaluable to any start-up or entrepreneur. Their profound knowledge and experience come through by clear communication, transparency, and sincere commitment for the maximum benefit of our members.
Learn more about Carla and the rest of the Bioenterprise team here.
The benefits of being part of the Engine
Accelerating innovation through our national and global network
Bioenterprise brings together key players in the food and agri-tech ecosystem to support start-ups in their journey from market entry to global expansion. We are committed to connecting entrepreneurs to a network of industry leaders, researchers, government stakeholders and critical service providers to help ensure their success.