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While leaving the day-to-day operations of the Atlantic Grains Council to Executive Director Heather Russell, it is the job of the board of directors to establish long-term policies and priorities.
“We work really well together,” said Robert MacDonald, who describes himself as a semi-retired grain and oilseeds producers from Belle River, PEI. “We all have different perspectives and experiences, and everybody is willing to share their insights.”

Currently in his second year in the post, he explained the board normally meets twice a year, although additional meetings can be held when the board is dealing with specific issues. Over the last year, there have been two issues that dominated the agenda, namely the fate of the Halifax Grain Elevator and revamping the Yield Enhancement Network into the Atlantic Crop Enhancement Network.

While he describes the workload as “not too strenuous”, he concedes the fate of the elevator at the Port of Halifax has taken up quite a bit of time. Proposed changes to the port threaten the long-term viability of what he called “critical infrastructure” both for milling local wheat and shipping bulk products like wheat, barley and soybeans to markets around the world.

That efforts paid some dividends with the recent announcement the elevator had secured a two-year renewal with the port that will provide a measure of stability at least until 2028. The veteran producer said the organization will continue to lobby for a more long-term solution.

While all the board members have worked on the file, he noted director James Kinsman has taken a major role. The owner of Windcrest Farms and WCF Grains Solutions in Berwick notes the issue struck home for him as he stores not only his own crops but those of other producers.

James explained the elevators throughout the Maritimes simply don’t have enough storage capacity and the loss of the Halifax facility would mean added storage costs and extras shipping costs as crops destined for international markets would have to be shipped through Quebec.

Both men were happy with the reprieve but stressed the fight is far from over. MacDonald expects the issue will remain on the board agenda for some time yet, adding “we will continue to fight to have the infrastructure maintained on a permanent basis. If anything, we would like to see it expanded in the future.”

Neil Campbell’s job as general manager of the PEI Grain Elevator gives a different perspective from the producers on board. He views that diversity of opinions as one of the strengths of the organization, both when it comes to professional experiences and regional focus.

“Under Robert’s leadership, we develop policy and tackle the challenges facing the industry like the Halifax Grain Elevator,” Campbell said. “Our ultimate goal is to move the industry forward.”
The council is involved in several research projects, both under its own mandate and in collaboration with industry and government partners. That is a particular passion for Caitlin Congdon in her day job as provincial field crop specialist with Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp. in Nova Scotia.

She said her involvement on the board dovetails quite nicely with her work at Perennia, explaining “through my work, I have contacts and I have a platform that can help share the work the Atlantic Grains Council is doing.” She also can bring to the director’s table feedback from a broad range of partners.

Let’s turn to the other main issue that has occupied the efforts of the directors over the past year or so — the revamping of regional Yield Enhancement Network into the Atlantic Crop Enhancement Network. YEN was modeled after a similar program in the United Kingdom that has since been discontinued for many crops.

That convinced the organziation it was time for a rebrand, although the goals of benchmarking, and encouraging best practices remain at the center. The program began in PEI in 2019, and Eric Theriault was among the first to sign on when the program broadened its focus to include New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Eric is the owner of Eastern Grains Inc., located near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The company specializes in the marketing of quality grains and oilseeds. He has enjoyed considerable success under the program. In 2025, for example, Eastern Grains captured gold in the oat’s competition, along with silver in both barley and spring wheat.

While he admits the prizes are nice and he enjoys the friendly competition, he views all producers who take part in the program as winners. He explained “by following best practices, you can improve yield and production on your farm and that makes our industry stronger.”

That philosophy reflects the broader purpose of the Atlantic Crop Enhancement Network and the AGC itself: bringing producers, researchers and industry together to identify practical solutions, share knowledge and strengthen the competitiveness of grain and oilseed production across Atlantic Canada.

The strength of the Atlantic Grains Council also extends beyond its board of directors. Peter Scott, Financial Advisor to the AGC, plays an important role in ensuring the organization has strong financial oversight and is positioned to make informed decisions about its programs, research investments and long-term priorities. His financial expertise provides the board with the
information and guidance needed to ensure the council’s resources are managed responsibly and directed toward initiatives that deliver value to Atlantic producers.

For MacDonald, the success of the AGC ultimately comes down to having the right people working together, “we have a great team,” he said. “Everyone brings something different to the table, and that is what makes the organization stronger.”

From producers and grain handlers to researchers, industry specialists, financial advisors and staff, each member of the AGC team contributes a different perspective and area of expertise.

Together, that collective knowledge allows the organization to respond to challenges, identify opportunities and continue building a stronger future for the Atlantic grain and oilseed industry.

The work of the directors, staff and partners is essential to ensuring the AGC remains focused on its mandate and continues to deliver meaningful results for producers across Atlantic Canada.