On the surface, farming conjures images of soil-dusted boots and open fields under a vast sky. In Ontario, however, agriculture and food production is undergoing a rapid transformation. Climate shifts, resource scarcity, and rising demand for local food are all accelerating the need for change. A quiet revolution is taking root. It’s unfolding in greenhouses, beneath the soil, and within microscopic worlds. Could the key to our food future lie not in machinery or chemicals, but in the invisible power of microbes?
In this episode of Where Next Happens, host Dr. Claudia Krywiak speaks with Danielle Rose, a scientist, entrepreneur, and head grower at Ceragen. Danielle brings a unique blend of academic insight and startup grit to the conversation. At Ceragen, she leads efforts to boost crop resilience through microbial inoculants, what she fondly describes as "probiotics for plants." Together, she and Dr. Krywiak explore how this emerging science is transforming Ontario’s greenhouse industry and redefining what it means to farm sustainably.
This conversation uncovers the entrepreneurial grit behind Canada’s agri-tech movement. Danielle shares lessons from the frontlines of scaling a biotech startup, all while navigating an industry rooted in tradition.
About Danielle Rose
Danielle Rose is a microbiologist, entrepreneur, and the head grower at Ceragen, a biotech company leading the way in sustainable agriculture. Based in Ontario, she studied microbiology at the University of Guelph, where she became fascinated by the untapped world of microbes. Her curiosity about the 99% of microbes that can't be cultured in labs sparked a mission that would eventually lead to the founding of Ceragen. Danielle believes these microscopic organisms hold the key to healthier, more resilient crops. At Ceragen, she helps develop microbial inoculants or what she likes to call “probiotics for plants”. These are tp help support greenhouse growers across Ontario.
Her work bridges science and agriculture, combining rigorous research with real-world application. With a deep respect for farmers and a hands-on approach to innovation, Danielle is reshaping how we think about food production. She continues to build strong relationships with growers while scaling a company at the forefront of agri-tech. Through her journey, she shows that science and sustainability can thrive together in the soil beneath our feet.
Resources
Explore the Ontario Center for Innovation’s Website.
Ceragen: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram