The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has a new-look executive team, describing them as “bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the organization’s leadership.”
Tara Sawyer has been elected as Chair of the Grain Growers, Scott Hepworth is the new First Vice-Chair, and Sally Parsonage is the Second Vice-Chair. Sawyer is a grain farmer from Acme, Alberta and is the Chair of Alberta Grains. Hepworth is a grain farmer from Assiniboia and is a Director of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (SaskWheat). Parsonage is a grain producer from Baldur, Manitoba and is the Secretary of the Manitoba Crop Alliance.
“We are excited to work under the guidance of this new executive, whose leadership and vision will help advance the priorities of Canada’s grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC in a news release. “With Tara Sawyer, Scott Hepworth, and Sally Parsonage at the helm, GGC is well-positioned to address critical issues in 2025 and beyond, such as advocating for fair tax policies, advancing trade opportunities, and securing reliable transportation networks.”
Sawyer also made history by being the first woman to ever hold the role of Chair with the Grain Growers of Canada but she was humble about it.
“We don’t look at each other in terms of our gender, it’s our skill-set, what we bring to the table, so I just appreciate the confidence that the board has…voted me into that position.” said Sawyer, who believes the board recognized her experience and passion for governance.
One of the reasons she decided to go for Chair of the GGC is her confidence in the work the organization does – representing grain farmers on a national scale – and to ensure “the farmer’s voice being at every table”.
“Whichever endeavour I take on – if it’s something I can give back to help improve the Canadian farmer in some way or the other, then I’m going to want to do it.
When policies are being made that a farmer’s voice has been there to give their input on how that will effect the farm and make sure that hopefully (the federal government is) making some decisions that won’t be detrimental to us conducting our business as farmers.” Sawyer added.
Sawyer, Hepworth, and Parsonage replace the out-going executive of Andre Harpe, William van Tassel, and Brendan Phillips.
