(OTTAWA) – The membership of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is pleased to introduce its new Executive Director: Dr. Justin To.

“I look forward to working hard with our members and farmers across Canada to build practical solutions. There remains considerable work to get us out of this farm income crisis. Farmers need significant improvements in international market access, competitive policy to be competitive in world markets and strong marketing tools to empower farmers and achieve sustainable incomes,” said Justin To. “Working with all stakeholders, all parties and this government is a priority to address the challenges ahead.”

Since May, 2004, Justin has worked with CFA members playing a key role in the development of ideas such as the new safety nets program proposal being advocated to the federal government, the CFA biofuels strategy, a proposal for a food product labeling project that would promote Canadian produce to Canadian consumers, and CFA’s Canadian Farm Bill. Justin recently completed his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College. Justin also has a Masters Degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Guelph.

“Justin has already made a significant contribution in helping CFA members develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing Canadian farmers today,” said Bob Friesen, CFA President. “As Executive Director he will help our membership even further in moving forward on these key issues.”

Justin takes over from Brigid Rivoire, who came to the CFA from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in February, 2001, and is leaving to take up the position of Executive Director with the Canadian Childcare Federation.

“On behalf of the Board and members of the CFA, and the over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families we represent, I want to thank Brigid for her outstanding service to Canadian agriculture,” said Friesen. “Her strong leadership and organizational skills in CFA’s head office have helped our organization face the many challenges that have arisen in our industry in the past five years.”

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Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.