Ted is a highly respected member of Canada’s agriculture industry. He is a leader and innovator who has made significant contributions during his professional career to driving the country’s agri-food industry forward. He has advocated tirelessly for delivering global opportunities for the entire Canadian agri-food sector.
Inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2018, Ted is best known for his leadership of Maple Leaf Foods, which he transformed into one of Canada’s largest food exporters. He established Maple Leaf’s chilled pork operations in Lethbridge, Alberta, launching the product in the Japanese market, where it quickly became a market leader. Japan continues to be a strategic market for the company.
Ted’s product portfolio also included beef and poultry, French fries, oilseeds, flour, bakery goods, and animal feed.
Since retiring, Ted has been a trusted advisor to food companies and governments. He has also served on numerous boards, including Alberta Meat, Alberta Livestock and Meat Association (ALMA), Food Processors of Canada, PrioNet Canada, and the George Morris Centre. He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).
In addition to his many professional achievements, Ted holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and an M.A. in International Relations from York University and was a previous recipient of the H.R. MacMillan Laureate in Agriculture from the University of Guelph.
Following Ted’s appointment, Dr. David Chalack, RDAR Board Chair, said: “My fellow directors and I are delighted to welcome Ted back to Alberta and RDAR. Ted has an enviable track record of success, and I do not doubt that his vision and experience will greatly benefit RDAR and Alberta’s agriculture industry.”
Ted Bilyea’s appointment to the RDAR board follows David Hoekstra’s resignation. RDAR thanks David for his valuable experience, insight, and service and wishes him well for the future.
About RDAR
RDAR is mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. As a not-for-profit organization, RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For more information, please visit: www.rdar.ca
Media Contact:
For all enquiries, please contact:
Richard Hilton, Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications
richard.hilton@rdar.ca | 1-877-503-5955