Leading in the field: UOIT’s Management Development Centre introduces innovative agricultural leadership program

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Given the expansion of urban development and disappearance of farmland across portions of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in recent decades, it is easy to lose sight of the economic importance of agriculture and the agri-food businesses in Ontario’s economy.

• In 2012, the report Planscape, Food and Farming, An Action Plan 2021 (GTA Agricultural Action Committee) reported that the estimated annual economic impact of agriculture and food processing in the four regions of the GTA included:

• Total output: $35 billion
• Contribution to GDP: $16 billion
• Labour income: $7 billion

In support of the growing need for agricultural expertise in the province, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Management Development Centre (MDC) is pleased to announce its new Agricultural Leadership Certificate Program. Registration is now open and classes will begin in January 2016.

“Our unique program has been proudly developed in collaboration with various economic development initiatives and agricultural partners in the Region of Durham, Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland County, Peterborough County and the City of Kawartha Lakes,” says Stephen Rose, Director, MDC and Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT), UOIT. “Whether they are owners, partners or responsible for the operational or day-to-day functions of an agri-business, program participants will immediately be successful and prepared advocates for the agriculture industry,”

The Agricultural Leadership Certificate Program consists of five highly interactive workshops that provide a strong foundation in the areas of:

• communication
• human resources
• leadership style and management strategies
• marketing and advocacy
• change and implementation of strategies for an agricultural business

Participants will network as they share stories of their career experiences and challenges.

Agricultural sector experts with extensive experience will serve as course facilitators and instructors. This program will run each year from January to March.

Who should enrol?

This certificate will provide tools and techniques to use immediately within an agricultural business. The program is ideal for those seeking to develop leadership potential and business communication skills.

Registration is restricted to those who work specifically within the agricultural sector (such as farm managers/owners, supervisors, business development managers, etc.).

Join the growing list of MDC graduates!

For more information, please contact:
Betty Khattab, Program Co-ordinator
Management Development Centre
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 3290
mdc@uoit.ca

Agriculture is a huge industry with many evolving sectors and specializations. According to the 2013-2018 Region of Durham Agriculture Strategy, the food and farming cluster in the GTA is the second largest in North America and has tremendous potential for growth.

One does not necessarily have to be a farmer to have a career in agriculture. In fact, agriculture is the largest employment sector in many local municipalities. More than 1,400 farm families in Durham Region alone derive income from their farm operations.

 “It is our goal to develop a highly skilled and innovative workforce, thereby improving viability and profitability of agriculture in Durham, encouraging succession of farms, and attracting more young people to a career in agriculture.”
-2013-2018 Region of Durham Agricultural Strategy

About the MDC at University of Ontario Institute of Technology

The Agricultural Leadership Certificate Program aligns with the UOIT’s strategic mission to develop academic and research collaborations with industry and the community that stimulate and enhance the region and university at home and abroad.

Over the past decade, the MDC at UOIT has presented many professional development certificates, professional workshops and conferences in a wide range of programs to working civic leaders from across the GTA, including:

• Certificate in Leadership Excellence
• Customer Service and Presentation Skills workshops
• Lean Management
• Management Development series of half-day workshops
• Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Management
• Not-for-Profit Management Certificate
• Professional Communications Certificate
• Professional Management Certificate
• Project Management

MDC is accredited by many associations and governing bodies, including:

• Association of Ontario Road Supervisors
• Canadian Institute of Management
• Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
• Human Resources Professionals Association
• Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario
• Registered Public Accountants Association of Ontario