The Program Director position was created when two former program development and delivery units in the Guelph office were merged into one. The move will bring each of the subject matter experts in environmental stewardship, economic development, and protection and assurances all together on a single team. Straathof will work with all program staff and senior staff in other departments to develop and implement comprehensive work plans that best utilize OSCIA’s collective skills and resources, and the move reinforces our ability for effective and efficient delivery of programs to the Ontario farm community.
Straathof receivedaPhD in soil chemistry and biology from the Department of Soil Quality at Wageningen in the Netherlands, ranked as the number one agricultural research university in the world. More locally to Ontario, her background includes being raised on a dairy farm in Eastern Ontario before studying Land Resource Management at the University of Guelph. She looks forward to bringing her research, management and leadership skills to Ontario and transitioning into a role that enables her to bring positive energy to working with farmers, government and the agricultural industry.
Peter McLaren, President of OSCIA, is thrilled that Straathof is joining the organization. “Angela’s experience at world-class agricultural research facilities, background in Ontario agriculture, and consistency in project delivery to the highest possible standards will add even more depth to OSCIA’s ability to deliver programs. Her knowledge in soil health will be greeted enthusiastically by our membership.”
Straathof will begin her role at OSCIA on October 22. “It has always been my passion to communicate amongst farmers, researchers and policy makers in such a way that all parties feel understood, informed and valued. I have long-admired the progressive and influential work of the OSCIA and can’t wait to get started in this exciting new role.”
OSCIA is a unique not for profit grassroots farm organization whose mission is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. It is farmers actively seeking, testing and adopting optimal farm production and stewardship practices. More information can be found at www.ontariosoilcrop.org
Source : OSCIA