OTTAWA – Ted Menzies, long-time Alberta farmer and former Member of Parliament, was named the new president and CEO of CropLife Canada last November.
Menzies joined the organization January 1, 2014 and is working out of the head office in Ottawa.
“Ted earned the respect of colleagues from across the political spectrum during his time in federal politics. His ability to collaborate with others in the pursuit of meaningful solutions and his extensive agricultural background are attributes that will serve Ted and our industry well,” said Kamel Beliazi, chair of the CropLife Canada board of directors.
First elected to represent the Alberta Constituency of Macleod in 2004, Menzies held several federal positions including Federal Minister of State for Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance. Prior to entering federal politics Menzies was involved in several farm organizations, including the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Grain Growers of Canada and Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.
Menzies owned and operated a 5,000-acre farm from 1974-2003 where he produced grain, oilseeds, pulses and spices.
“As a farmer, I have always been interested in how technology can improve operations. I saw firsthand the role that pesticides and plant biotechnology play in increasing yields and helping improve the farm environment. I know how important these technologies are for farmers and that’s a very big part of why I am so excited about this next phase in my career,” said Menzies.
CropLife Canada represents the companies that develop, manufacture and distribute pest control products and plant biotechnology. For more information on CropLife Canada and the plant science industry, please visit www.croplife.ca.