Minister Bibeau announces appointment to Farm Credit Canada

Dec 21, 2022

OTTAWA, ON, - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced that Justine Hendricks has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Mrs. Hendricks is the first female President and CEO of FCC.

FCC is an important partner for Canada's producers facing supply chain challenges, commodity price volatility, and the rising costs of key agricultural inputs. As CEO, Mrs. Hendricks will drive forward the corporation's mandate of supporting the sector by providing financial and advisory services, expanding access to capital and enhancing its products and services.

Mrs. Hendricks has held various positions at Export Development Canada (EDC) over the past 16 years. She was named EDC's Senior Vice-President and Chief Corporate Sustainability Officer, Sustainable Business and Enablement in 2019. Her leadership in advancing the organization's 10-year strategy ensured EDC continued to be a leader for Canada and its customers on environmental, social and governance principles. Mrs. Hendricks also designed and executed EDC's Net Zero 2050 strategy.

In 2016, the Government of Canada implemented an open, transparent and merit-based process for selecting Governor in Council appointees. Appointees play a fundamental role in Canada's democracy by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country.

Source : Newswire.ca

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.