Rooted in the Past, Growing into Tomorrow: AgScape Celebrates 35 Years at 2026 Annual General Meeting
Milton, Ontario – June 15, 2026 –
AgScape, a leader in agriculture and food education for students and teachers across Ontario, hosted its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 7, 2026, at The Arboretum at the University of Guelph. Guided by the theme “Rooted in the Past, Growing into Tomorrow,” the event celebrated AgScape’s 35th anniversary and showcased the organization’s strategic vision for future growth and the impact of agriculture and food education in Ontario.
“As we mark 35 years, we are proud of the partnerships and people who have shaped AgScape’s growth and inspired future food-literate citizens,” said Amanda Robertson, Executive Director of AgScape. “Beyond raising awareness, agriculture and food literacy ignite curiosity, promote critical thinking, and help students to see meaningful futures in the sector.
AgScape Chair, Sarah Andrewes and Executive Director, Amanda Robertson pictured receiving a certificate from the office of Senator Rob Black in recognition of AgScape’s 35th anniversary.
The AGM featured inspiring presentations from key contributors reflecting on AgScape’s history and evolution over the past 35 years. Attendees also learned about the current impact of AgScape’s educational programs and the important role they continue to play in connecting students and educators with Ontario’s agriculture and food system. The celebration included video messages of support from Senator Rob Black, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones, and Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.
AgScape Life Members Lorraine Holding (left) and Lillie Ann Morris (right) reflecting on their experiences and work to advance agriculture education with AgScape.
Keynote speaker Daniel Kunanec, Assistant Curriculum Leader and Educator at Don Mills Collegiate Institute, shared insights on incorporating hands-on agriculture and food education into his school’s curriculum. He emphasized the positive effects on his students and their career aspirations. The AGM also featured a live Virtual Field Trip to the Honey Bee Research Centre at the University of Guelph, where questions from attendees were answered in real time.
During the business portion, the following individuals were announced as AgScape’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors:
- Sarah Andrewes of Burson as Chair
- Victoria Berry of Maple Leaf Foods as Vice Chair
- Jim McMillian of McMillan Farms as Treasurer
- Julian Brown of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
- Paighton Smyth of Trouw Nutrition Canada
- LeaAnne Wurmli of Beef Farmers of Ontario
- Michael Black of Farm Health Guardian
- Mike Dorrington of Ontario Genomics
- Phil Emmott
- Mason Ballek
- Carmela Cupelli of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness as Board Advisor
“My journey with AgScape began more than a decade ago, and it has been a privilege to support its efforts and serve as a board director since 2022,” said Sarah Andrewes, Chair of AgScape. “This organization is a powerhouse, providing essential information about agriculture and food to Ontario students. I look forward to seeing how AgScape continues to evolve over the next 35 years.”
The event also celebrated AgScape’s legacy while reaffirming its dedication to delivering meaningful, curriculum-connected agriculture and food education that equips young people with the knowledge and confidence to engage with one of Ontario’s most crucial sectors.
About AgScape
AgScape is a charitable organization dedicated to advancing agriculture and food literacy. For 35 years, AgScape has provided factual, balanced, curriculum-linked educational programs and resources on agriculture and food for Ontario’s educators and students.
AgScape is funded in part by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
For more information about AgScape and its initiatives, please visit www.agscape.ca.
Media Contact:
Sheri Budhram
Marketing and Communications Manager
sheri.budhram@agscape.ca
905-878-1510 ext 320
