Special Anniversary Event at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is set to celebrate a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) on September 11, 2024.
This special event will take place from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the Special Events tent at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show in Ontario.
Initiated in 1984 by collaborators including the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, AALP was designed to develop leadership within the agricultural sector.
Over four decades, the program has successfully graduated over 520 leaders who now hold influential roles across various sectors including government, private industry, and community organizations.
This year’s anniversary celebration will feature a panel moderated by Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs and an AALP alumna. Distinguished panelists like Pat Mighton, Ann Gordon, Senator Rob Black, and Gabrielle Ferguson will share insights from the program's impactful 40-year history.
Alumni from past classes will gather to reconnect and reflect on their shared experiences and the program’s ongoing influence in their professional lives.
Drew Spoelstra, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and alumnus of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), expresses pride in the program's 40-year history of developing leadership in agriculture.
"As a founding member of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years of leadership development in our sector. This milestone is a testament to the program's enduring impact, and we see the results reflected throughout the agriculture and food sector,” remarks Drew Spoelstra, President Ontario Federation of Agriculture and AALP Class 13 alumni.
“AALP alumni are not only represented on our Board and staff but are also making significant contributions across our membership, and throughout the entire value chain. Forty years is an incredible achievement, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive influence of this program for years to come."
In addition to celebrating past achievements, the event will look to the future of agriculture with discussions on innovation and growth.
Carol Carson, a representative of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, highlighted the significance of supporting an event that honours people dedicated to advancing agriculture.
"We are grateful to our generous donors and sponsors whose unwavering support over the years has propelled AALP to great heights. Special thanks to our anniversary premier sponsors, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show," says Ellen Sinclair, ROI Executive Director. "We anticipate an extraordinary afternoon and encourage you to join us in the special events tent as we celebrate this pivotal milestone."
As the community looks forward to this celebratory event, they are reminded of the power of education, collaboration, and leadership in shaping a thriving agricultural future.
The event promises to honor the past 40 years and inspire continued innovation and leadership in the agricultural sector for many years to come.