Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology

Food is deeply personal, but food science often isn’t.

The Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) exists to help Canadians better understand the relationship between healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet. Its work brings together researchers, educators, farmers, governments and community organizations to improve the food system through science, education and collaboration.

The challenge was creating a brand that could bridge those worlds. It needed the credibility to support research and public policy while remaining welcoming enough for a child pulling a carrot from the ground. Serious without feeling institutional. Approachable without sacrificing authority.

The solution came together in a single, simple symbol.

A leaf represents growth, ecology and the interconnected nature of our food system. It carries the weight of scientific research while remaining universally understood, making it equally at home in academic publications, classrooms, farmers’ markets and community events.

The identity is intentionally uncomplicated. Rather than competing for attention, it creates space for the organization’s work to speak for itself.

As a federally funded organization, CCFE operates under Canada’s bilingual requirements. That meant the identity couldn’t simply be translated. It needed to exist natively in both official languages from the beginning.

The same visual system seamlessly supports both CCFE and CCAE, creating a consistent identity that feels equally authentic in English and French.

Most people have never heard of CCFE.

Before asking people to support healthier food systems, the organization first needs to explain why they matter. The documentary introduces the broader challenges facing food in Canada, connecting healthy soil, sustainable agriculture, education and community into a story people can understand. Rather than relying on data alone, the film focuses on the people behind the work and the impact they’re creating together.

Its purpose isn’t simply to inform. It’s to help audiences see food differently.

Every element of the system was designed to work together.

LEAF is a custom display typeface designed by Idea Studio for CCFE. Rather than keeping it proprietary, the typeface was gifted to the organization and released as open source. It’s a small contribution to a much larger movement, reflecting the belief that ideas capable of improving our food system should be shared freely.

The colour palette draws inspiration from the foods the organization celebrates. From Granapple and Tangomato to Caulipower and Sassquash, each colour reinforces the warmth and optimism at the heart of the brand.

The writing follows the same philosophy. Clear. Concise. Human. Complex ideas are expressed in language that invites people into the conversation instead of talking over them.

A successful identity doesn’t stop at a logo.

The CCFE brand was designed as a flexible system that could support new programs, partnerships and experiences as the organization evolved.

Whether appearing on research reports, educational resources, films, websites or events, the identity continues to grow alongside the organization it represents.