The AIC Board of Directors met in person in Ottawa on October 31st for a strategic planning session.  The discussions were intense and energizing and reflected the broad scope of knowledge and skills the Board members possess. In the short term AIC will continue to focus on our areas of strength, particularly the scientific journals, international accreditation and communications on science and agriculture to our members and the public.  AIC will also seek other opportunities to work on international projects and interdisciplinary activities with our scientific society members, who represent the broad spectrum of the agricultural-related sciences.  

 

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After almost two decades in providing leadership and inspiration to AIC's International Agricultural Development Program, Tom Beach is moving to new challenges as Research Station Manager for the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus.

Tom joined AIC as International Program Coordinator in 1996. During his tenure, the International Program implemented a series of successful agricultural development projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These projects engaged the professional expertise of AIC members from the disciplines of soil and animal sciences, horticulture, agronomy and extension and from provincial institutes of agriculture, each working in partnership with their counterpart organizations in developing countries.  The strength of these partnerships is an enduring feature of AIC's international program and accomplishments through these partnerships have been cited both in Canada and internationally.  Tom was instrumental in developing a cadre of dedicated volunteers from around the world and his influence will carry on in the sustainability of the projects they have implemented.

In addition to his international work, Tom served as AIC's Executive Director from 2000 to 2001 and from 2002 to 2007 leading AIC's creation of dynamic discussion papers, advancing networks and advocacy.  He contributed to policy development through participation on a number of panels and studies including:  Canada's Agriculture Policy Framework II, Audit Canada review of Canada's Agriculture Policy Framework (APF 1), and the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development review.  With many hats, he also managed AIC's Accreditation Program from 1997 to present.   

Tom has been honoured by his peers through the awarding of Fellowships in the Ghana Society of Animal Production (FGSAP) 2009, in AIC (FAIC) 2008, and most recently in the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (FGhIH) 2012. As well, he is a honourary member of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka.
 
Tom leaves AIC in early November and he will be missed by friends and colleagues around the world. Together, we wish Tom all the best in his new position.

Prepared by Brenda Millar, AIC International Program

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The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH) has awarded the status of Honorary Fellow to AIC International Program leaders Tom Beach and Dinah Ceplis.  The awards were announced at the GhIH annual general meeting held at the University of Ghana in September.  

The citation to Tom reads, in part:

"You have been a champion of international agriculture and rural development for almost two decades. Your efforts have resulted in strengthening scientific societies in Africa and Asia. You supported the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists to evolve from obscurity to national and international prominence...your commitment in securing funding and ensuring constant flow of funds through the famous International Twining Partnership Programme (ITPP) had revitalised GhIH and whipped up enthusiasm in GhIH members as well as communities linked to the works of GhIH."

The citation to Dinah reads, in part:

"Your contributions to international horticultural extension have been especially acknowledged by scientific societies and rural communities in Ghana and Tanzania. You have played a very influential role in setting standards and roles of engagement for professional exchanges between Ghana Institute of Horticulturists and the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science.  You have been in the trenches with the GhIH in supporting Dry Season Vegetable Gardening in the Upper West Region. "Dinah from Canada" has become a household name among farmers directly participating in the GhIH projects."

The full citations can be read here.

Congratulations Tom and Dinah!

Photos courtesy Merv Pritchard

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Thank you to AIC members who have contributed to date to the HayEast campaign.   Farmers in areas of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec are facing a critical feed shortage as a result of summer drought conditions. Forage is urgently needed to sustain livestock herds over the winter months. Farm and livestock groups from Alberta and Saskatchewan are working in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Mennonite Disaster Services, the Quebec Farmers' Association, organizers of the 2002 Hay West assistance campaign, and many local farmers to move much-needed hay to Ontario and parts of Quebec.

The Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation is also assisting in collecting funds for the transport of hay.  Donations are tax creditable and can be made by mail or online.  Read more here. 

Thank you!

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