FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Saskatoon, SK – The Wheat Growers Association today announced that Executive Director Darcy Pawlik will transition from his role as he prepares to become Chief Executive Officer of Ag-West Bio.
The transition is part of a broader leadership and sector-building plan that has been underway for several months. During Pawlik’s time as Executive Director, the Wheat Growers strengthened their national voice on regulatory modernization, innovation, trade reliability, transportation, competitiveness and farmer-driven policy.
Wheat Growers President Gunter Jochum said Pawlik’s move to Ag-West Bio is a natural extension of the same priorities the Wheat Growers have been advancing.
“Darcy has helped sharpen the Wheat Growers’ voice at an important time for western Canadian agriculture,” said Jochum. “His move to Ag-West Bio is not a step away from the issues we care about, it is a step deeper into them. Both organizations are committed to innovation, regulatory modernization, better ecosystem coordination and a more competitive future for Canadian farmers.”
Ag-West Bio’s mandate to support bioscience, commercialization, innovation and ecosystem development is highly complementary to the Wheat Growers’ work to ensure farmers have access to the tools, technologies, policies and market conditions they need to succeed.
“Modern agriculture requires a functioning innovation system, predictable regulation, better commercialization pathways and stronger coordination between farmers, companies, researchers, government and industry organizations,” Jochum said. “Darcy’s new role will allow him to keep contributing to those priorities from a different but highly complementary position.”
Pawlik said the transition is being approached with care and continuity.
“Serving the Wheat Growers has been a privilege,” said Pawlik. “This organization is a clear, principled and forward-looking voice for farmers, and I am proud of the work we have done together to advance competitiveness, innovation and practical policy reform. My move to Ag-West Bio is part of a larger commitment to strengthening Canada’s agriculture innovation ecosystem, and I believe this transition can empower both organizations.”
As part of the transition, the Wheat Growers are also expanding their mentorship and leadership development efforts. Five outstanding young leaders will be joining the organization through an expanded mentorship program: Hannah Gust, Claire Nagel, Meaghan Lepage (Dierker), Derek Edgar and Kaidan Kohut.
“This is exciting news for our organization,” Jochum said. “The addition of Hannah, Claire, Meaghan, Derek and Kaidan reflects where the Wheat Growers need to go next. We are building leadership capacity, creating space for emerging voices and ensuring the organization remains connected to the farmers and agriculture leaders who will shape the future.”
Jochum said the Wheat Growers are entering the transition from a position of strength.
“The Wheat Growers are not slowing down,” said Jochum. “The transition has been planned, the organization is prepared, and our priorities remain clear: farmers need access to innovation, modern regulations, reliable trade and transportation, and a policy environment that rewards productivity and competitiveness.”
The Wheat Growers will provide further updates on the transition and organizational leadership in the coming weeks.