2024 ANNUAL REPORT 3 Table of Contents Annual Report 2024 4 Mission | Vision | Values | Strategic Goals 7 Crop Representation 8 Board of Directors 6 A message from the Chair and CEO 10 Commitments 22 Financial Statements 30 Leadership Team 2023-2024 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Grain Farmers of Ontario held its Annual General Meeting on September 10 at the Craigowan Golf Club in Woodstock. The financial statements for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (June–May) was presented by the auditors, RLB LLP, at the meeting. The financial statements are included immediately following this newsletter for the easy reference of all farmer-members. The financial statements can also be found in the 2024 Annual Report, available online at www.gfo.ca/about. YOUR GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO TEAM Ibrahim Mohammed joined Grain Farmers of Ontario in June 2024 as the sustainability and environment Specialist. He holds a PhD in environmental science from the University of Guelph and has strong expertise in soil science, soil organic matter chemistry, decarbonizing food systems, and sustainability assessment in agroecosystems. His doctoral research, partially funded by Grain Farmers of Ontario, focused on assessing the impact of organic amendments on soil health and grain production, identifying costeffective strategies to help farmers reduce environmental impacts while enhancing soil functionality. 18 An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events In his role at Grain Farmers of Ontario, Mohammed ensures the successful development, execution, and implementation of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Sustainability Road Map and leads the related initiatives to ensure alignment with Grain Farmers of Ontario’s strategic objectives. Mohammed has also worked as a topic specialist at the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, where he contributed to advancing sustainable agricultural solutions in Canada. During his time there, he proposed a framework for a coordinated soil monitoring network aimed at decarbonizing Canada’s agricultural systems. His recent work as a research assistant and postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Evan Fraser’s Lab at the University of Guelph included leading the development of the Adaptive Management Framework, designed to monitor and transition agroecosystems towards greater sustainability. With his deep knowledge of soil systems and sustainability practices, Mohammed is dedicated to ensuring that on-farm sustainability regulations are both scientifically informed and reflect what is realistically attainable for farmers in Ontario, aligning with their real-world challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and hiking and is an avid fan of epic fantasy novels. He also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and has been actively involved in mentoring and outreach related to sustainability and agriculture. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Grain Farmers of Ontario launched its farmermember survey in September. We want to know what you think about the work we do on your behalf. The survey and a postage-paid return envelope were distributed with the September issue of the Ontario Grain Farmer, or you can complete your survey online by visiting www.gfo.ca/survey. Everyone who completes the survey is entered for a chance to win a BBQ prize pack valued at $500. Farmer-members who fill out the survey online will be entered into a monthly draw for a $50 gift card of their choice. The online survey requires an access code to complete. Find the code on your printed copy of the survey, or email Rachel Telford, manager of member relations, rtelford@gfo. ca. Online submissions are preferred. IBRAHIM MOHAMMED SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT SPECIALIST, GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Grain Farmers of Ontario Read the 2024 annual report online at www.gfo.ca/about.
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