Don't sit on the sidelines while somebody else speaks for your industry – get involved with the CAAR board of directors. Lending your time and expertise to the board is good for the industry, and for you as an individual. Read more for why three current CAAR board members believe in getting involved.

The 2019-20 directors will be voted on and announced during CAAR's 2019 AGM, held ahead of the 2019 CAAR Conference. To nominate yourself or another individual, contact Lady Gabilo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Grant Larocque

PROVINCE: Saskatchewan

COMPANY: Orchard Transport, Ag Services Operations Manager

Larocque joined the CAAR board in 2011 and has served as Chair of the Communications and Public Relations Committee since 2012. He served as Board Chair from February 2014-16 and has served as past chair from February 2016-18.

How does having a strong board benefit CAAR members across the country?

A strong, diverse Board will be able to serve the needs of every type of ag retail, no matter how big or small, and will lend a hand to fighting for responsible regulation and legislation as one group and one voice. I believe that CAAR has demonstrated this many times over.

How does it feel personally contribute to advancing Canadian ag retail?

Agriculture is such an important part of life for every person on this planet. Agriculture comes under fire everyday by some special interest groups that have no clue to what agriculture really is and what it really does. So, it feels honourable to have been able to contribute to the advancement of Ag Retail in Canada.

What have you learned from your experience of the board?

Being a Board Member has taught me that the ag industry, while very different across the country also has many similarities when it comes to the general issues of the day. Members in different regions need to be treated uniquely but, the end goal for everyone is to create a sustainable industry while advancing their businesses and those of their customers.

Blaine Cochrane

PROVINCE: Manitoba

COMPANY: Shur-Gro Farm Services, Operations Manager

Cochrane has served on the CAAR board for the past four years, and has served on the Conference Committee.

What has been your most rewarding experience on the board so far?

The opportunity to meet other strong proponents of the industry who want to be involved. Being involved in turning the corner with CAAR and having a strong positive fiscal plan, and membership focus priority has been very rewarding.

What do you say to anyone on the fence about joining the CAAR board?

Get off the fence and get involved. We need all hands on deck to support our industry. Having a strong board is very important to represent the feel of the industry as a whole, and CAAR’s advocacy and membership activities are vital to the ag retail industry.

What has serving on the board taught you, about CAAR, the business ag retail across Canada, or the importance of advocating for the industry?

Serving on the board has taught me that we all need to be proud of our industry and everyone needs to take their turn and get involved. There are a lot of great people in this industry and we have the ability to come together and function as a strong, unifying group. Whether it be retail, manufacturer, or supplier, we can all contribute.

Tom Hamilton

PROVINCE: Manitoba

COMPANY: Richardson International, Vice President Agribusiness Operations

Hamilton has served on the CAAR Board since 2013. He served as Vice Chair for four years and is currently serving as Finance Chair.

What has serving on the board taught you, about CAAR, the business ag retail across Canada, or the importance of advocating for the industry?

Being a CAAR board member has taught me that as ag retailers we face similar issues. The ability to lobby as an association has proven to be far more effective with regulators than any one company’s capability to lobby on its own.

How does it feel personally contribute to advancing Canadian ag retail?

I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride to have participated with many great Canadian ag retailers in playing a role to advocate for and advance the ag retail business in Canada. It has been very rewarding to work with other retailers to ensure we have a common voice on regulatory issues.