Director Nomination Guide

About AGRIS Co-operative Ltd.

AGRIS remains proud of its 100 years of farmer ownership. We exist to enhance the profitability of our farmer-owners. We pride ourselves in bringing innovation and technology to our customers in an effort to support our customers' success.

AGRIS Board of Directors 

AGRIS is governed by an elected 14-member Board of Directors serving three-year staggered terms.The Board ensures that our owners are placed first in all that we do.  The Board’s mandate includes the overall responsibility and authority for the strategic direction of AGRIS encompassing leadership, stewardship, governance and monitoring performance. The Board is in charge of ensuring AGRIS is headed in the best direction for our owners, that we have a plan to get there and adherence to the rules and our overall positive outlook. 

Important Dates and Information

• Advanced Nomination Period: Open Now - Closes Friday, December 29, 2024
• Nomination posted on website: Friday, January 10, 2025. 
• Elections at Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, January 15, 2024
• Elect 5 directors to serve a term of 3 years

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify to serve as an AGRIS director you must meet the requirements of the Ontario Co-operative Corporations Act, AGRIS By-laws and policies including: 

• 18 years of age or older
• Be a farmer
• Be an owner in good standing for at least one year
• Not an employee or immediate family member of an AGRIS employee for at least one year
• Conduct business with AGRIS Co-op and Great Lakes Grain
• Not an employee, director or agent of an organization in competition to AGRIS

Jim Anderson, Moe Chauvin, Mike Zink, and Kim Fysh have declared they will seek nomination for re-election. Larry Pajot has stated he will not seek re-election.

Learning and Development

AGRIS believes in continuous learning and development. Following the election, new directors are provided with a 1-day orientation program. AGRIS maintains a director development policy outlining a training and development path with online and seminar training opportunities. These include both required and elective opportunities. AGRIS encourages directors to attain various levels of certification that are offered. 

Director Commitments and Expectations

Time Commitment

There is a time commitment required of directors. We work to schedule meetings and events around the typical farm work schedules. 

The board meets 10 times per year for regular board meetings. These meeting are a combination of day time and evening meetings. A typical meeting lasts 3 – 4 hours. All directors also serve on committees which meeting an additional 3 or 4 times per year. A typical committee meeting lasts 1 – 2 hours. The board has started using virtual meetings to replace some of its face to face meetings. 

In addition to regular board meetings there are 2 or 3 additional workshops or seminars that are optional for directors to attend. These workshops provide training and development opportunities. 

Meeting Preparation

In advance of all board meetings, the materials to be covered at the meeting are provided in advance to the directors.  Directors are asked to review these materials ahead of the meeting to ensure productive discussions and informed decisions. 

Remuneration and Expenses 

Directors receive compensation for their service to AGRIS. The director remuneration policy is reviewed annually and any changes to the policy are approved by the Owners voting at an Annual General Meeting.  AGRIS’ director remuneration policy includes: 

• A per diem for time spent on co-operative business;
• A per diem for training and education sessions;
• Travel costs, where applicable, to cover milage to attend AGRIS meetings;
• A reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses relating to board service.

Nomination and Election Process

After considering the responsibilities, role and time commitment of an AGRIS director, you decide to proceed by submitting a nomination form we ask that you complete the form completely. Your nomination will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Once this review is completed your nomination will be made public to the AGRIS Owners through the website. The election will be conducted through a vote by ballot at our Annual General Meeting. You will be given an opportunity at the Annual General Meeting to speak to the owners to better introduce yourself and describe why you would like to be selected as an AGRIS Director.

Director Nomination Form

Notice of Meeting

Director Nomination Guide

The meeting will be held at the Bradley Centre in Chatham with a virtual option available.