The Sarnia seminar offered participants a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect, but one moment stood out as especially meaningful: the luncheon honouring Peter Hannam and his lasting legacy in Ontario agriculture and the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP).

Held in a spirit of gratitude and respect, the luncheon recognized Peter Hannam’s decades-long commitment to strengthening agriculture through leadership, collaboration, and service. His influence has shaped not only organizations and policy conversations, but also generations of agricultural leaders who continue to carry forward his values.

AALP Class 21 member Alicia Becker, in her opening tribute said, “He understood that strong industries don’t happen by accident. A strong, resilient agri-food industry requires leaders willing to bridge farm, policy, research, and public trust. Throughout his career, Peter embodied a leadership that was about using influence responsibly and making room for others to lead.”

As a key founder and champion of the AALP program, Peter believed deeply in the importance of developing informed, confident leaders who could advocate for agriculture with integrity and credibility. Many AALP alumni present for the luncheon, credited Peter with helping them see leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility—to their sector, their communities, and to future generations. They shared reflections on Peter’s ability to bring people together across commodities, regions, and perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, encouraging respectful dialogue, and reminding others of the bigger picture.

Importantly, the luncheon was not only a reflection of the past, but also a call to action. Peter’s legacy lives on through those who continue to step forward, engage in difficult conversations, and lead with purpose. The AALP program remains a testament to his vision: an investment in people as the foundation of a strong and resilient agricultural sector.

As the Sarnia seminar continued, the tone set by the luncheon carried forward.  AALP Class 21 members continued to move forward with purpose as we dug deeper into our own goals with a focus on our personal strengths and values.

Honouring Peter Hannam was a powerful reminder of why AALP exists—and why leadership in agriculture matters. His contributions will continue to shape Ontario agriculture for years to come through the people he inspired along the way and those he laid the foundation for without ever having met them.

Many thanks to our AALP Alumni and Special Guests who were able to attend.

AALP Alumni – John & Cathy Young, Mark Delanghe, Cassandra Van Engelen, Brenda Trask, John Greig, Drew Spoelstra, Felix Weber, Geoff Smith

Special Guests – Rob Hannam (son of Peter Hannam), Doug Park (Parkland Farms), and Bob Thirlwall (Bayer Crop Science)