Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP Class 16 Interacts with Leaders in Canada and the United States

Guelph, ON, July 25, 2016 - Over 10 days in early July, the future agricultural leaders that make up the current Advanced Agriculture Leadership (AALP) class were exposed to interactive learning through their North America Study Tour (NAST).


The 2016 NAST included stops in Eastern Ontario, Quebec, New York State, Washington DC, Maryland and Pennsylvania focusing on production challenges, unique marketing initiatives, environmental obligations and the evolving concept of social license. Each stop offered a unique perspective for the class members to learn about and to analyze through discussion amongst the class.


The multitude of stops included a processing vegetable facility, several farm market operations, a couple different dairy operations, the Canadian Embassy, the battlefield in Gettysburg and the campus of Pennsylvania State, among others.


Throughout the tours, common issues arose. For example, many stops included discussions around an easement on land development rights – an alternative approach to Ontario’s ‘Green-Belt’ program. This approach allows for land owners to ensure that their land is not developed in the future by receiving monetary compensation, but it struggles by creating large swaths of contiguous land bases that are protected. Another common theme was that of “social license” – the concept that society has a vested interest in how food is produced and the role agricultural leaders can play in both earning and maintaining societal acceptance of farming practices.


The trip also included many inspirational examples of how hard work, dedication and a vision can move agriculture forward as well as how it can stagnate if those things are missing or ignored. Zach Gihorski, a current class member of the Pennsylvania equivalent to AALP, The Rural Urban Leadership (RULE), summed up the experience perfectly by telling the class “when you leave here, remember why you came.”


The current AALP class began in September 2015, and the NAST experience marks approximately the half-way point for the class of 16, which concludes in March of next year. To follow the rest of journey, connect on Twitter at @AALPClass or like the AALP Facebook page.


During the 19-month program, AALP participants learn about leadership and organizational development theories and practices, government and political process, economics, trade policy, global affairs, sector and industry related issues in Ontario and globally through seminars across Ontario, analysis issue projects, the NAST and an international study component.


AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has graduated almost 450 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond. For more information, visit ruralontarioinstitute.ca/aalp.

For information, contact:
Rob Black
Chief Executive Officer
Rural Ontario Institute
(519) 826-4204 (Ext. 222)
rblack@ruralontarioinstitute.ca

Views: 335

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Alberta Confirms First PEDv Case Since 2022

A southern Alberta farm has confirmed PEDv—the province’s first case since 2022; buffer zones established and an investigation underway.

Global Commodity Markets Rise as Funds Boost Soybean Buying

An overview of rising commodity markets for the week of week of February 16 to 21, 2026, as soybean buying increased, weather risks grow, tariffs shift, and changing crop acreage adds uncertainty for global agriculture and farmers.

Leif Carlson Named Vice President, Markets and Trade 

Cereals Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Leif Carlson to the position of Vice President, Markets and Trade, effective immediately. In this role, Carlson will lead efforts to expand and protect global market opportunities for Canada’s cereal crops. “Leif’s expertise, commitment to agriculture, and proven leadership continue to strengthen the Canadian cereals value chain,” said Dean Dias, Chief Executive Officer of Cereals Canada. “His leadership in this role will support dependable market access and sustained global demand for Canadian wheat, durum, barley, and oats.” In his previous role as Director of Market Intelligence and Trade Policy, Carlson championed the promotion of Canadian cereals and helped protect the interests of the value chain in global markets. Since September 2025, he has also represented the sector as a Director with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), advocating for fair and predictable trade. Carlson holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a

Canada’s Ag Day: Celebrating Farmers Who Grow Their Best for the World

Every year, Canadian farmers combine expertise and innovation to grow their best for the world. Their commitment ensures that Canada continues to deliver wheat that meets the needs of millers, bakers, and consumers here at home and in over eighty countries around the globe. As we celebrate Canada’s Ag Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedication of the people whose work feeds families, supports our economy, strengthens rural communities, and helps sustain Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality wheat. Highly valued for its high protein content, milling performance, and ability to produce great tasting foods—from breads and noodles to pastries and breakfast cereals—Canadian wheat is a top choice for millers and food manufacturers in more than 80 countries. Find out what makes Canadian wheat amongst the best in the world at Canadian Wheat—Quality You Can See and Taste

Grain sector warns of information gaps in AAFC research reductions, calls for immediate program impact disclosure

Grain Growers of Canada is calling on the federal government to provide clarity on the impacts of recent staffing reductions and announced closures or consolidations of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities, stating that downstream consequences cannot be assessed without clear, program-level information. “Transparency is essential when decisions affect the foundation of Canada’s agricultural research system,” said Scott Hepworth, chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Saskatchewan grain farmer. “Without clear disclosure of what research capacity is being reduced or eliminated, the sector cannot understand the long-term risks to production and competitiveness,” he added. “It must be clear what capacity is being lost, where, and with what consequences.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has cited personnel confidentiality in limiting details on the announced changes. Grain Growers of Canada emphasized that while personnel confidentiality must be respected, it does not,

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service