Watch for travelling display of Eastern Ontario’s ag hall of famers

Aug 19, 2022

Four Eastern Ontario ag community leaders of the past and the present all have something in common. Dwayne Acres of Osgoode, Vera Mitchell of Metcalfe, Jack James of Russell and William Schouten of Richmond are among an impressive list of contributors to Ontario agriculture nominated by their peers and inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame (OAHF).

A common thread among inductees is their support and leadership of community organizations and activities. In their accomplishments, you will find details of years of involvement in soil and crop associations, producer and livestock organizations, junior farmers and 4-H, community events, cooperatives, research institutes, agricultural extension and more.

The Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association was incorporated in 1979 as a charitable organization. It opened in June 1980 with the induction of nine pioneer agriculturists representing more than 100 years of combined efforts and initiatives in building a better agriculture for the province. To date 245 people, including 33 from Eastern Ontario, have been inducted into the hall of fame.

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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.