The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame has announced its six inductees for 2025. These individuals are celebrated for their significant impact on the agricultural sector in Canada. The formal induction ceremony will take place on November 8 in Victoria, British Columbia.
“Every year we welcome inductees who have made impactful contributions across many segments of Canada’s agriculture industry,” said Phil Boyd, Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. “Our 2025 inductees reflect groundbreaking work in primary production, value-added food retail, policy making, and research, among others.”
The inductees for 2025 are:
- John Anderson: An entrepreneur and global business leader who dedicated 50 years to Oppy, a fresh produce retail business that depends on Canadian agriculture. Anderson transformed the company with his innovative practices and sustainable agricultural focus.
- Dori Gingera-Beauchemin: A former deputy agriculture minister in Manitoba, Dori contributed to sustainable agricultural development and public trust initiatives, including creating the Research Chair in Sustainable Protein at the University of Manitoba.
- Gaétan Desroches: A visionary leader at Sollio Cooperative Group, Desroches led the organization through strategic mergers and research collaborations, enhancing the agricultural sector in Quebec and beyond.
- Joe Hudson: The founder of Burnbrae Farms, Hudson revolutionized Canada’s egg industry by establishing vertical integration, making Burnbrae the largest family-owned egg producer and marketer in the country.
- Dennis Laycraft: A champion for the Canadian beef industry, Laycraft played a crucial role in improving market access and ensuring the industry’s competitiveness, while promoting sustainable practices and export capacity.
- Dr. Peter Sikkema: A renowned weed scientist, Dr. Sikkema is recognized for his research on herbicide-resistant weeds and his contributions to improving on-farm weed management practices in Ontario and beyond.
These leaders have left a lasting legacy on the Canadian agricultural landscape through their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community development.
Photo by: cahfa.com
Bonnie Johnson
June 18, 2025
Media Article
