It took 84 years, but the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has finally elected its first female president.

Mary Robinson will take over the position from Ron Bonnett, who stepped down after nine years in the role.

Robinson was previously the president of the Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture, as well as the Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council.

"I am looking forward to engaging key stakeholder and political decision makers on why the agri-food sector is the leading economic engine of Canada," she said. "It's critical that investments in agriculture is a priority for the Canadian government. Investments in rural Canada and agriculture benefit not only rural Canada but the nation as a whole."

Keith Currie won the election for 1st Vice-President, while Chris van den Heuvel was elected as 2nd Vice-President. Keith is the current President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, while Chris served previously as President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

CFA hosted its AGM this week in Ottawa. The organization represents approximately 200,000 Canadian farm families from coast to coast.

 

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