Guelph, Ontario, Canada
February 26, 2025
- More than 1,200 Canadian growers and industry members have graduated from Syngenta leadership programs over the past two decades.
- Leadership At Its Best® launched in 2005 as the pioneering leadership program for staff and board members of Canadian agriculture associations.
Syngenta Canada recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of Leadership At Its Best® (LAIB), a program custom-designed to elevate leaders in the agricultural sector.
Since its launch in 2005, more than 400 participants from Canadian agriculture associations have graduated from the program. Held over four days at the Ivey Business School in London, Ontario, it features interactive and engaging sessions that mirror real-world situations and challenges faced by today's agricultural sector.
"Looking back on 20 years of LAIB, we’re proud of the network of leaders we’ve supported to enhance skills in advocacy, communication and government relations," says Christina Stroud, Head of Corporate Affairs for Syngenta Canada. "Participants exemplify the strong leaders our industry needs – individuals who understand the importance of collaboration and possess the skills to address complex issues.”
The 2025 graduating class is comprised of 20 staff and board members representing organizations including Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Pulse, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Sask Wheat, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Soy Canada, Canada Grains Council, Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Pulse Canada, and Sask Oilseeds.
Christine McKee, a 2025 LAIB graduate and a Director for the Alberta Canola Producers Commission shared her experience: "The program has equipped me with invaluable skills to navigate the evolving landscape of agricultural policy and leadership. The emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and strategic communication will undoubtedly strengthen our industry’s voice."
Coinciding with LAIB, Syngenta Canada hosts Grower University (Grower U), an intensive farm management course for top producers. McKee’s son Joseph was one of 31 graduates in 2025.
Superintendent University (Super U) is a third leadership program offered by Syngenta that provides business skills training for golf course superintendents. When combined, all three programs have resulted in more than 1,200 graduates and demonstrate Syngenta's commitment to leadership and advancing agriculture.
"As we move forward, Syngenta Canada remains committed to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will drive innovation and contribute to the success of our sector," says Stroud.
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