Guelph, ON - Class 16 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has been selected. Twenty-seven current and emerging leaders in agriculture, agri-food and rural sectors will begin their AALP leadership journey on September 20, 2015 at their first seminar in Guelph, Ontario.
“AALP is one of the longest-running agricultural leadership programs in the world. As with every class, the diversity is what makes Class 16 unique - diversity in background, age and occupation,” said Teresa van Raay, an AALP alumnus and chair of the AALP advisory committee.
Ten class members are primary producers of fruits and vegetables, field and cash crops, poultry, dairy, hogs, beef and sheep. Another nine of the group are actively involved in primary agriculture, while also working in the agri-business and agri-food sectors, non-government and commodity associations, the provincial government and various agencies. The class ranges in age from 24 to 56.
Van Raay says, “I am thrilled with the quality of people in this class. Their enthusiasm is absolutely contagious. It’s an exciting time to be involved in agriculture and with their AALP experience these individuals will be able to make an even bigger difference within the agriculture sector and in rural communities across the province and country.”
Participants in AALP Class 16 are:
- Stuart Adams, Cheslea, Primary Producer
- Aaron Breimer, Chatham, Veritas Farm Business Management
- Dianne Brekelmans, Thamesford, Primary Producer
- Robin Brown, Woodville, Primary Producer
- Meghan Burke, Fergus, Grain Farmers of Ontario
- Marty Byl, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Agricorp
- Anna DeMarchi-Meyers, Rockwood, Halton Region
- Thomas Heeman, Thorndale, Engage Agro
- Adrienne Houle, Prince Albert, Wilmot Orchards
- Kevin Howe, Aylmer, Primary Producer
- Nicola Jackson, Guelph, OMAFRA
- Jenn Kyle, Ayr, Holstein Canada
- Jon Lamb, Belmont, Primary Producer
- Colleen McKay, Woodstock, Vegetable Producer/Market Gardener
- Andy McTaggart, London, 4-H Ontario
- Rebecca Miller, Auburn, Monsanto
- Emily Morrison, Lucknow, Morrison Berries Country Market
- Jenn Norrie, Calgary, Bayer CropScience
- Pete Overdevest, Bright, Primary Producer
- Mike Pastir, Waterford, Agrico Canada
- Jennifer Peart, Hagersville, Farm Credit Canada
- Martina Pfister, Baltimore, DuPont Pioneer
- Greg Stopps, Chatham, DuPont Pioneer
- Marijke Van Andel, Guelph, Syngenta
- Megan Veldman, St. Marys, Primary Producer
- Ann Vermeersch, Eden, Primary Producer
- Dylan Wiens, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Primary Producer
Rob Black, chief executive officer of the Rural Ontario Institute, the organization that delivers AALP says, “I am excited to see this new class selected and look forward to engaging with them over the next two years. The curriculum and study travel provides many opportunities for the group to see, learn, meet, discuss and debate issues impacting the agriculture, agri-food and rural sectors, over an extended period of time. It’s sure to be a learning experience for all.”
During the 19-month program, AALP participants learn about leadership and organizational development theories and practices, government and political processes, economics, trade policy, global affairs, sector and industry related issues in Ontario and globally through North American and international study travel components.
AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has graduated almost 450 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond.
Source: AALP