Dean Taylor joins CEA Alliance board of directors

Mar 21, 2025

The CEA Alliance has named Dean Taylor to its board of directors. He is currently the vice president of business development at Mastronardi Produce. As a seasoned veteran of controlled environment agriculture, he brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and expertise that will help the organization shape the future of indoor agriculture.

"I'm eager to help the organization address challenges and advance growth across the industry," said Taylor. The CEA Alliance represents and serves vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Since joining Mastronardi in 2010, Taylor has played a key role in developing award-winning products that inspire consumers to choose fresh produce, enhancing their healthy eating choices. His extensive experience includes leading innovation pipelines, managing worldwide trial programs, and overseeing new product development from seed to shelf.

He joins a diverse board of industry professionals from across North America.

Source : The Grower

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.