1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcing AALP Class 16
Guelph, ON, June 25, 2015. Class 16 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership
Program (AALP) has been selected. Twenty-seven current and emerging leaders in
agriculture, agri-food and rural sectors will begin their AALP leadership journey on
September 20, 2015 at their first seminar in Guelph, Ontario.
“AALP is one of the longest-running agricultural leadership programs in the world. As
with every class, the diversity is what makes Class 16 unique - diversity in background,
age and occupation,” said Teresa van Raay, an AALP alumnus and chair of the AALP
advisory committee.
Ten class members are primary producers of fruits and vegetables, field and cash crops,
poultry, dairy, hogs, beef and sheep. Another nine of the group are actively involved in
primary agriculture, while also working in the agri-business and agri-food sectors, non-
government and commodity associations, the provincial government and various
agencies. The class ranges in age from 24 to 56.
Van Raay says, “I am thrilled with the quality of people in this class. Their enthusiasm is
absolutely contagious. It’s an exciting time to be involved in agriculture and with their
AALP experience these individuals will be able to make an even bigger difference within
the agriculture sector and in rural communities across the province and country.”
Participants in AALP Class 16 are:
Stuart Adams, Cheslea, Primary Producer
Aaron Breimer, Chatham, Veritas Farm Business Management
Dianne Brekelmans, Thamesford, Primary Producer
Robin Brown, Woodville, Primary Producer
Meghan Burke, Fergus, Grain Farmers of Ontario
Marty Byl, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Agricorp
Anna DeMarchi-Meyers, Rockwood, Halton Region
Thomas Heeman, Thorndale, Engage Agro
Adrienne Houle, Prince Albert, Wilmot Orchards
Kevin Howe, Aylmer, Primary Producer
Nicola Jackson, Guelph, OMAFRA
Jenn Kyle, Ayr, Holstein Canada
Jon Lamb, Belmont, Primary Producer
Colleen McKay, Woodstock, Vegetable Producer/Market Gardener

2. Andy McTaggart, London, 4-H Ontario
Rebecca Miller, Auburn, Monsanto
Emily Morrison, Lucknow, Morrison Berries Country Market
Jenn Norrie, Calgary, Bayer CropScience
Pete Overdevest, Bright, Primary Producer
Mike Pastir, Waterford, Agrico Canada
Jennifer Peart, Hagersville, Farm Credit Canada
Martina Pfister, Baltimore, DuPont Pioneer
Greg Stopps, Chatham, DuPont Pioneer
Marijke Van Andel, Guelph, Syngenta
Megan Veldman, St. Marys, Primary Producer
Ann Vermeersch, Eden, Primary Producer
Dylan Wiens, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Primary Producer
Rob Black, chief executive officer of the Rural Ontario Institute, the organization that
delivers AALP says, “I am excited to see this new class selected and look forward to
engaging with them over the next two years. The curriculum and study travel provides
many opportunities for the group to see, learn, meet, discuss and debate issues
impacting the agriculture, agri-food and rural sectors, over an extended period of time.
It’s sure to be a learning experience for all.”
During the 19-month program, AALP participants learn about leadership and
organizational development theories and practices, government and political processes,
economics, trade policy, global affairs, sector and industry related issues in Ontario and
globally through North American and international study travel components.
AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the
Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has graduated almost 450 leaders
who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond. For more information
visit www.aalp.on.ca
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For more information, contact:
Rob Black
Chief Executive Officer
Rural Ontario Institute
(519) 826-4204 (Ext. 222)
rblack@ruralontarioinstitute.ca