Guelph, ON – The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has selected twenty-one current and emerging leaders from across the province with various backgrounds to make up Class 18. The program for Class 18 will begin on September 15, 2019 at their first seminar in Oakville, Ontario.
Eight class members are primary producers or involved in family-run farming operations. The remaining twelve come from agri-business and agri-food, financial and insurance sectors, non-government and commodity associations and provincial agencies. The class ranges in age from 26 to 54.
“The men and women selected for Class 18 by our interview panels are a diverse group of strong agriculture, food and rural leaders eager to make a difference in their businesses, organizations, industries and communities,” says Gabrielle Ferguson, leadership programs director of the Rural Ontario Institute, the organization that delivers AALP, “I am excited to see this new class selected and look forward to engaging with them over the next two years.”
Participants in AALP Class 18 are:
Betty-Jo Almond, Ariss, AgSights
David Beking, Richmond, Poultry Producer
Victoria Berry, Guelph, Grain Farmers of Ontario
Jaime Carson, London, Trouw Nutrition/Shur-Gain
Danielle Collins, Guelph, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
David Colyn, Kitchener, Trillium Mutual Insurance Company
Carolyn Cornelissen, Watford, Cornelissen Farms Inc., Grain, Oilseeds, Chicken Producer
Chris Duyvelshoff, Guelph, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association
Emma Lackey, Navan, Ottawa Valley Farm Show
Justine Lennox, Ayton, North Wellington Co-operative
Marin MacNamara, Winchester, Bonnefield Financial, Crop Producer
Aaron McQueen, Fisherville, AA Company, Grain and Oilseeds and Sheep Producer
Beth Mitchell, Parkhill, Veterinarian Technician, Grain and Oilseeds and Pork Producer
Philip Nywening, Thamesville, Chicken and Grain and Oilseeds Producer
Scott Persall, Waterford, Grain, Oilseeds and Poultry Producer
Lisa Power, Bothwell, Corteva Agriscience, Grain and Oilseeds Producer
Maria Jose Ramirez Giraldo, Guelph, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Angela Reimneitz, Ingersoll, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers
Geoffrey Smith, Guelph, Agricorp
Felix Weber, Palmerston, AgBusiness and Crop Inc.
Kaitlin Worden-Collins, Puslinch, Agrico Canada
During the 19-month program, AALP participants will come together in both in-person seminars and five online webinars – a new addition to the program. Class members will learn about leadership and organizational development practices, government and political processes, economics, social and environmental issues, 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 470 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond. For more information visit
www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/aalp
Source : ROI