Who We Are
The Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to coordinating the development of the local agri-food sector in Eastern Ontario and fostering dialogue between its members and partners.
The EOAN operates in Prescott-Russell, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Cornwall, and the Ontario portion of Akwesasne.
Our Mission
The EOAN’s mission is to support the development, growth and sustainability of local food and agricultural initiatives.
Our Vision
The EOAN’s vision is well-connected, supportive, and thriving agri-food sector within Eastern Ontario, creating economic, social, and environmental growth in the region.
Our pillars and objectives:
Marketing
Increase the production, marketing, and consumption of local food products by connecting consumers directly to producers through events, programs and online channels.
Capacity Building
Provide support, training, and tools to local agri-food producers, businesses, and operations. Connect food producers, the local food value chain, and agri-food stakeholders for collective action and problem solving.
Advocacy
Understand the needs and represent the broad agri-food sector in the region on matters of public policy, regulatory affairs, sector development.
Our Values
- Collaboration – We work collaboratively with partners, members, and the community to leverage our collective capacity and maximize opportunities.
- Community – We connect and support local agri-food producers and initiatives in ways that empower them to do more.
- Economic Leadership – We act as a leader in community economic resilience to ensure regional viability and access to funding opportunities.
- Inclusivity – We respect and celebrate the power of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and local traditions.
- Innovation – We think outside the box to support local agri-food initiatives in creative and unique ways.
- Integrity – We offer transparency and accountability in everything we do.
- Sustainability – We promote environmental stewardship and ethical farming practices with a focus on long-term impact.
Current Board of Directors
The Officers of the Corporation
- President – Sylviane Dutrisac, Ferme Butte et Bine, Williamstown ON.
- Vice-President – Robert Poirier, Les fruits du poirier, St. Eugène ON.
- Treasurer – Christine Bonneau-O’Neill, L’Orignal Packing Ltd, L’Orignal ON, 613-324-2821.
- Secretary Teresa Lambert, Vankleek Hill Vineyard, Vankleek Hill ON.
- Executive Director (non voting) – Eric Collard, Ottawa ON.
Municipal Directors
- The United Counties of Prescott-Russell – Genevieve Lajoie – Mayor, Municipality of Casselman.
- The United Counties of Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry – Carma Williams, Warden of Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry.
- The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Chief Dwayne Thomas.
Elected Directors
- Kathy Chaumont, St. Eugène ON.
- Janie Myner – singer and songwriter, Alfred ON.
- Reine Quenneville, Casselman ON.
The Team
Eric Collard, Executive Director
Eric Collard is an experienced nonprofit management executive, with a public and stakeholder relations background. He is a fluently bilingual professional with more than 20 years of experience managing high profile programs, issues and events. He’s looking forward to connecting with producers and change makers in the region while promoting the collective as a gem to discover.
Juliette Ozorak, Member Services Coordinator
Juliette Ozorak is a graduate from Algonquin College’s Tourism Travel Services and Event Management Programs. She loves to plan the EOAN’s events and make sure members are getting all they can out of their memberships. She is dedicated to the growth of her community and its small local businesses. She has learnt that there is a lot more to see in Eastern Ontario than meets the eye, at first glance, and she strives to spread this awareness to other locals for them to find the beauty in the world around them. She enjoys seeing the collaboration between members and new relationships form between them.
