WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — Cereals Canada, a national, not-for-profit organization that brings a broad and diverse collaboration of partners from all sectors of the cereals value chain, has named Todd Hames as chairman. Cereals Canada recently was formed through a merger with the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi).

Also elected to the executive committee were Jennifer Marchand (Cargill), vice chair; Robert Misko (Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association), treasurer; and Jean-Marc Ruest (Richardson), secretary.

The board of directors provides Cereals Canada with governance to steer the organization’s operations and ensure fiscal responsibility. The board will lead a strategic planning process that will be undertaken this summer.

“Each director is passionate about the cereals value chain and brings to the table diverse experience and strategic knowledge to strengthen the organization's impact in Canada and beyond,” said Hames, who operates a 4,900-acre grain farm in the middle of the Canadian prairies, near Lloydminster, Alberta. He is a dedicated zero tillage farmer having grown canola, wheat, peas and barley under conservation tillage for 25 years. “We are excited about the unique expertise that each individual brings to the table as we continue to evolve and lead the organization forward.”

The board also selected the governance committee that will provide oversight for the governance policies of the organization, helping to ensure effective and appropriate board functionality. Members of the governance committee include: Jake Leguee (Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission), Henry Van Ankum (Grain Farmers of Ontario), Jeff Bertholet (BASF) and Jeff Cockwill (Viterra).

Hames said the organization has begun a search for a chief executive officer.