Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
October 04, 2001
Dairy industry leader named to Associate VP
John Core, former chair of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and former president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada, has been appointed associate vice-president (research, agri-food and partnerships) at the University of Guelph.
Core begins his appointment on Oct. 9, 2001. He will be responsible for promoting the benefits and opportunities created through the University’s partnership agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and will play a central role in administering the partnership. His other responsibilities include expanding partnership opportunities in the agri-food sector and strengthening Guelph’s leadership position in agri-food research.
“John’s strategic thinking, experience and understanding of the agri-food industry on a provincial, national and international basis are exactly what we need to build consensus in a highly complex agri-food research and development environment,” said Alan Wildeman, Guelph’s vice-president (research). “He is respected by his colleagues and peers, and with his industry and government relations background, he will bring fresh perspectives to our research enterprise. His appointment
follows an extensive search and the review of excellent candidates.”
As DFO chair from 1990 until earlier this year, Core was pivotal in connecting dairy farmers’ needs with research policies and priorities. During his tenure, he expanded the DFO’s yearly investment in dairy research to approximately $1 million. Dairy is Ontario’s biggest agri-food industry; the DFO is responsible for marketing $1.4 billion worth of milk a year from Ontario’s dairy farmers and for representing their interests at the provincial level. Core also served as president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada from 1999 to 2001, dealing with international trade and supply management issues and working to create national partnerships and promote dairy research.
Core also has ties with the University of Guelph, beginning in 1970 when he graduated with distinction with a B.Sc. in agriculture. Two years later, he completed his M.Sc. at Guelph and worked as a lecturer at Ridgetown College – now part of the university – teaching courses in dairy and beef production, ruminant nutrition, animal evaluation, and leadership and meeting organization. He later became the senior manager of Ridgetown’s dairy and beef herds and provided dairy and beef extension consultation to farm clients.
Contact:
Prof. Alan Wildeman
Vice-President (Research)
(519) 824-4120, Ext. 3081
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 3338.
