About Us

The purpose of CABEF is to advance education by providing scholarships, bursaries, and awards to students enrolled in agricultural or agri-business-related programs at a university, college or trade school in Canada by awarding seven $2,500 scholarships annually to Canadian students.

The Canadian agriculture and food industry is an exciting and growing field. Over the last few years, the federal government has identified agri-food as one of six Economic Strategy Tables that will drive our economy over the next decade. But the sector cannot grow without more young people involved, from farm to fork.

How can we ensure that agriculture will continue to be innovative, a key economic driver, and maintain Canada’s position as a world leader in the industry?

By supporting the next generation who will make it happen!

Board of Directors

Contact us to learn more about our Board of Directors and potential openings.

Mary Thornley

Mary Thornley Management

  • Former Account Executive, AdFarm & Kahntact Marketing
  • Executive Director, CAMA (Canadian Agri-food Marketers Alliance)
  • Member, National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)

 

Michelle Bertholet

Group Publisher, Agriculture & Content Studio Director, Annex Business Media

Annex Business Media’s agricultural suite of brands produces quality content that is relevant, educational, and informative to our subscribers. We provide farmers, agronomists, contractors, applicators, and industry stakeholders with information beneficial to their operations in the face of continually evolving marketplaces.

  • Ag-Media professional for 9+ years
  • Current member of CAMA, Manitoba chapter
  • ACC graduate – Agribusiness and Business Administration

 

Kalysha Hanrahan

thinkAG Manager, Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C)

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) is a Canadian charitable organization with a vision to bring agriculture to every classroom, inspiring every student.

Food connects us ALL to agriculture. In a complex and changing world, it is more important than ever to inspire the next generation to care about the food they eat, where it comes from, and how it gets to their plates.

  • Project Manager with over 8+ years in the agriculture industry.
  • Member of Minister Bibeau’s first cohort of the Canadian Agriculture Youth Council (2020-2022)
  • Strong advocate for the importance agriculture education and resources within the province of NL.

Laura Lennox

Independent Marketing and Communications Lead

  • Current member, CAMA Ontario Chapter
  • University of Guelph CAMA Student Chapter President, 2018/2019
  • Volunteer social media coordinator with experience working with several agriculture and community organizations

 

Brad Martin

President and Owner, TCN Consulting Inc

Over 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising to deliver innovative and effective solutions. A Bachelor of Business Administration from Assiniboine Community College and an Auction Marketing Management certification from the National Auctioneers Association, which equip me with the skills and knowledge to navigate the dynamic and competitive agribusiness landscape.

  • Current member of Canadian Agri-food Marketers Alliance (CAMA) – Manitoba Chapter
  • ACC graduate – Business Administration
  • Dad, mentor and car enthusiast

 

Mary Lee McNeil

Student, University of Saskatchewan

  • 2024 CABEF Scholarship Recipient

 

Quinton Moorehead

National Account Manager – Top Crop Manager & Potatoes In Canada, Annex Business Media

Dedicated Account Manager providing knowledge farmers can trust and valuable marketing solution for agribusinesses looking to connect with progressive, business-minded producers.

  • 5+ year Ag Media Account Manager
  • University of Regina Graduate – Business Administration

Eugenie Officer

Content Marketing Program Manager, FCC

FCC is a federal Crown corporation reporting to Canadians and Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. We provide financing and other services to more than 102,000 customers. We’re a team of more than 2,300 employees operating from 103 offices located primarily in rural Canada and our corporate office in Regina, Saskatchewan.

  • Bilingual agriculture marketing, communications, and media relations consultant
  • Agriculture Journalist
  • 4-H Canada Board Member 2017-2020
  • Lang School of Business Scholar

Sarah van Heeswijk

Senior Manager – Youth Development, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food

The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food is responsible for the production, marketing, processing and merchandising of agriculture and seafood products in BC, as well as supporting the province’s food security, and developing a resilient food system and economy. The Ministry’s Youth Development Team leads programs and services engage youth in agriculture learning, and introduce them to careers in the agriculture and food sectors.

  • 20+ years experience working with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with organizations including 4-H BC, and the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation
  • Member of the 4-H British Columbia Board
  • Member of the BC Outstanding Young Farmers Board