New college chair
Leona Staples has been appointed chair of the Olds College board of governors by of Alberta’s advanced education ministry.
Staples was previously a member of the College Board of Governors for two terms.
Her background includes areas of business, innovation and agriculture.
She is an owner and operator of the Jungle Farm, a farm and tourist destination that has been in her family for 110 years.
The farm hosts several family based activities and features a variety of different projects, including a greenhouse, U-pick fruits and vegetables, and a seasonable vegetable box program that encourages consumers to eat healthy, fresh, locally produced food.
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Donna Maxwell has also been appointed to the board and brings experience in governance, administration and educational leadership.
Board member Mark Kaun has been reappointed as a member for a second term.
Canada, Germany unite for research
Canada and Germany plan to work closer in four areas of agricultural research to help meet world demand for food and innovation:
- Sustainable agriculture and climate change, particularly in the areas that protect soil and water, and breeding crops that are more resistant to the effects of climate change.
- Agri-food, including crop breeding for nutrition and health and reducing food waste and loss.
- Sharing best management practices and technology transfers to farmers and industry.
- Personnel exchange, including exchanges of scientists and students between Canada and Germany to build on opportunities for collaboration.
Canada’s agri-food exports to Germany in 2016 were $321 million, which represents Canada’s eighth-largest export market.
