New roles, new faces

IN A MARCH 2024 INTERVIEW WITH ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER, BRENDAN BYRNE, GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT 1 (ESSEX), spoke about wrapping up his three-year term as chair of the organization and was asked, “What’s next?” for him as a leader in Ontario agriculture.

“I see myself continuing in some aspect of amplifying the voices of farmers,” he said at the time.

In July 2024, the opportunity to do just that arose when the Honourable Rob Flack, minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, appointed him as a member of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (FPMC).

“This opportunity came about pretty quickly,” says Byrne. He has since resigned as director of District 1 (Essex), a job he has held for 9 1/2 years.

“I’m going to miss all my colleagues on the Board and the staff,” says Byrne. “The board meetings, the staff, the camaraderie … it’s been a fantastic organization to be a part of.” His new role with the FPMC means he’ll keep the organization close, however; the Commission oversees 22 agriculture organizations regulated by the Farm Products Marketing Act, including Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“Brendan’s impact as director and chair has made a big difference for Ontario grain farmers,” says Crosby Devitt, CEO. “While we will miss his contributions around the Board table, we are excited for him and his new role on the Commission, and we look forward to working with him as he moves on in this new chapter.”

NEW FACES

Byrne’s departure left a vacancy on the Grain Farmers of Ontario Board, which was filled in mid-July when the District’s delegates met to elect Grace Pearson to the role on an interim basis. The role will be filled for a two-year term at the 2025 January District Meeting. Pearson has been a District 1 (Essex) delegate for four years and farms near Comber, Ontario, with her husband Grant, parents, and in-laws. She also works for RBC as a manager of business markets, overseeing a team of 10 relationship managers.

Pearson brings a wealth of experience to the role; she has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Food and Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph, is the current second vice president of Comber Fair, and second vice president of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. In 2021, she was recognized by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions as one of their Top 10 under 40 volunteers.

Pearson is passionate about promoting the industry; in 2022, she participated in a Grain Farmers of Ontario Good in Every Grain campaign to help bring awareness to Ontario grains and grain farming. She was featured in YouTube videos, on social media, and on billboards in the GTA.

As she settles into her new role, she looks forward to learning more about the various committees and work the Board does, with interest in the Resolutions, Communications, and March Classic committees.

“I’m especially interested in being involved with the farmer wellness committee,” she says. “That’s a concern for a lot of farmers – we are at Mother Nature’s mercy. Many farmers are struggling silently.”

Pearson says she hopes to bring a different perspective to the Board – that of the young farmer just getting started in the industry. While she grew up on her family farm, doing everything from planting to spraying to combining, and now works closely with family, she is an ambitious entrepreneur; she bought her first farm in 2019 and a second in 2020.

“Representation is important,” she says. “Young farmers are facing different things. I want to advocate for that generation of farmers.”

OVERWHELMING SUPPORT

“Brendan has been an exceptional advocate for District 1 and Essex County,” she says. “I wish him all the best in his new position.”

Byrne says that the delegates in District 1 (Essex) enthusiastically threw their support behind Pearson.

“Grace has my full support in this role,” he says. “She has consistently shown up for the District, and she’s an up-and- coming leader. I think she’ll do a tremendous job.” •