GROWING 21st CENTURY FARMERS: Q&A WITH MIKE BAKOS

Aug 30, 2017

Q&A with Fanshawe's Agri-Business Management Graduate, Mike Bakos

By Cameron Kok,
Current Student, Bachelor of Commerce,
Fanshawe College

In September 2016, Fanshawe College launched the Agri-Business Management Graduate Certificate program at its Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus. This September, the program will also be delivered in London at the Western Fair District. We connected with a student from the first graduating Simcoe class, Mike Bakos, to get his perspective on the unique new program.

About Mike:

Age: 25

Previous Post-Secondary Education: Honours Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Education, Brock University

Family Farm: J&B Bakos Farms (and in partnership with The Growers Sweet Harvest Watermelons)
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Why did you decide to enroll Fanshawe’s Agri-Business Management program?

“I wanted to get more immersed in the farming community that we have in Norfolk County, and although I am a fourth-generation farmer and my family is fairly well known in the area, I wanted to get a deeper understanding of what is going on in my community, especially in the agricultural community, and what other opportunities are out there.”

What did you hope to get from the program?
“As someone devoted to life-long learning, I decided to attend the program with the hopes of being able to bring some 21st century thinking and practical knowledge to my family’s farming operation. I assessed what improvements I wanted to focus on, and attended the program part-time as I was supply teaching part-time as well.”

Now that you’re a graduate, what are your future career plans?

“My intention for enrolling was to take my Family Farm to the “next level”. It would seem that farmers now have to wear even more “hats” as their business grows and expands. We now think about things like developing a brand and promoting our business. My intention is to grow my family business and make it even more viable. Due to programs like this, I can now make even more educated decisions when mapping out the future of my family farm.”

Is there anything unexpected that you got out of the program that will help you now that you’re a graduate?

“The program was an excellent networking opportunity for me, and allowed me to meet a ton of community leaders both in and out of the farming/Agri-related sectors. Because of my interest in getting more involved, I ended up being introduced to the Norfolk Agricultural Advisory board. I now sit on the board and really get a sense of what is going on in Norfolk.”

Learn more the program at fanshawec.ca/AGM1J (Simcoe) and fanshawec.ca/AGM2 (London)

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.