Murray Porteous, Chair of the Agricultural Adaptation Council, is pleased to announce that Martin Gooch has joined the staff of the Council to coordinate its value chains initiative.

The hiring is a result of AAC’s approved strategy to encourage value chains in the agriculture and food industry, as a way of improving Ontario’s position in the highly competitive international marketplace. Tom Smyth, an AAC Director and strong supporter of its value chains initiative, welcomes Gooch and his extensive international experience in the food and agriculture industry.

“Martin will be meeting representatives from all sectors to further encourage establishment of links and alliances among producers, processors, distributors and retailers.”

Gooch, who holds a Masters degree in value chain management, has more than 20 years of agribusiness experience in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. He has worked in grains, dairy ,vegetables, berries and beef.

“AAC is in a strategic position to facilitate the growth of value chains in the Ontario agriculture and food industry,” says Gooch. “In other countries independent organizations that represent the industry have been extraordinarily effective in facilitating the development of strategic alliances. AAC’s board, which is broadly representative of the industry, will ensure appropriate focus and direction while AAC’s staff will assist in developing and implementing programs designed for the Ontario industry."

Martin is contacting key personnel in the agriculture and food industry. Anyone interested in pursuing the value chain concept is encouraged to contact him at 519-822-7554 or Martin's e-mail.

The Agricultural Adaptation Council is a non-profit coalition of 54 agricultural, agri-business and rural organizations working together to support Ontario’s agricultural sector and rural communities. The AAC receives its funding through Ontario’s share of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) fund. The AAC supports projects that foster long-term growth, self-reliance, competitiveness and employment for Ontario agriculture.

-- 30 --

For more information: Mary Jarvis, Agricultural Adaptation Council, (519) 822-7554,  Mary's e-mail or

Martin Gooch, (519) 822-7554, Martin's e-mail