The Poultry Industry Council (PIC), a registered charity in Ontario, Canada that delivers poultry extension services, event coordination, and project and program management, has announced new leadership changes following its annual general meeting last week. 

Caroline Gonano, who has been with the board for years, will continue to serve as chair. Gonano is associate manager of technical affairs, science and regulation for Turkey Farmers of Canada.

Newly elected vice chair Kayla Price is taking over for Greg Lansink. Price is the Canadian technical manager at Alltech, and serves on several other agriculture industry boards. 

Cathy Lennon will continue to serve as treasurer. Lennon is general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. She previously served on the PIC board for a 3-year term.

“This past fiscal year saw HPAI persist as a concern for the industry, but PIC was able to play a role in keeping the industry informed and better prepared to meet the threat,” said Gonano. “With this, we saw the return of the National Poultry Show with great attendance, events and webinars that had strong support, and strategic projects targeted to alleviate education gaps in the sector.”

In 2022 and 2023, in-person events were reintroduced. PIC hosted a total of 19 educational events and 12 webinars ranging from topics on industry needs and concerns. The educational events aimed to support industry and producers by providing learning opportunities that make an impact to their operations. 

PIC also underwent a strategic planning process. The process brought new insight and revealed where members and directors were connecting, and where there are opportunities to grow.

Looking forward, the PIC board said it is excited to deliver cornerstone events focusing on poultry health, research impacts and producer updates. This year, PIC is adding a new focus to its agenda. The council will provide education for small flock owners by teaching them how to improve biosecurity while supporting them with disease issues. 

“PIC is poised for success," said Gonano. "I am proud to be chair of an organisation that is open to new ideas and ready to grow."

The remaining members of the board include: 

Doug Duimering - Chicken Farmers of Ontario

Greg Lansink - Turkey Farmers of Ontario

Samantha Haverkamp- Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission

Sally Van Straaten - Egg Farmers of Ontario

Laura Bowers - Burnbrae Farms

Marg Pritchard - Maple Lodge Farms

Mike Terpstra - Association of Ontario Chicken Processors

Ed Verkley - Verkley Enterprises