ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 13 Prograin® Grow Smarter It’s more than seeds It’s expertise It’s support Van Acker with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack. Van Acker has huge issues on his plate that dog other university presidents, too, such as the province’s tuition freeze and Ottawa’s decision to limit international student enrolment. Both measures have “knocked the stuffing out of university budgets,” says Van Acker, and they require constant attention and lobbying from academic leaders like him. But they haven’t dampened his enthusiasm for the job, or for his zeal to promote the agri-food sector broadly. At this year’s Canadian Outdoor Farm Show, Van Acker spent two full days onsite—about 75 per cent more time than previous presidents— rubbing shoulders with producers and others he’s connected with. After that, he dedicated another day to participating in the International Plowing Match in Grassie, Ontario. “Being at these events was a great reminder that people are at the heart of Ontario’s agri-food sector,” says Van Acker. “Agri-food is number one in Ontario, and at the University of Guelph, we’re proud to help train the next generation of leaders ready to carry that future forward.” •
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