The Ontario Organic Council (OCO), The Voice for Organics in Ontario, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Erica Shelley as our new Executive Director. Dr. Shelley brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and organic practices across Ontario.
For over 15 years, Dr. Shelley has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation as the CEO of Best for Bees. Her pioneering work in bee vectoring and biological controls has focused on improving bee and crop health, establishing her as a recognized leader in sustainable beekeeping and organic farming. Through her close work with farmers across Ontario on pollinator consultation projects, Dr. Shelley has gained a deep understanding of the complexities of agriculture, enabling her to effectively address the challenges and opportunities in the organic sector.
“We are delighted to welcome Erica to the OCO team. Erica brings not only important and relevant experience as an entrepreneur in Ontario’s agrifood sector but also a passionate and positive outlook that embodies OCO’s values,” says Krysten Cooper, OCO’s board president.
Dr. Shelley’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing OCO’s mission to support the growth of Ontario’s organic sector. We believe that Erica’s skills will help support key initiatives around advocacy, research, farmer support, collaboration, and public engagement. Her background aligns with OCO’s commitment to advocating for policies that uphold the integrity of the organic system, conducting data-driven research that benefits the sector, supporting farmers in adopting and expanding organic practices, fostering valuable connections across the value chain, and raising public awareness about the benefits of organic products.
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