Assiniboine Community College’s agriculture program co-ordinator will be the new executive director for the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC).
Ted Eastley will take the MRAC post starting June 30, the council said in a release Tuesday.
Eastley, who farms with his family at Nesbitt, about 40 km south of Brandon, and works in ACC’s School of Agriculture and Environment. His resume with ACC includes stints as instructor, divisional chair, dean, academic director, and program co-ordinator, MRAC said. He also holds an agrologist designation and has worked as a private consultant.
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MRAC is a non-profit body that funds agricultural projects in Manitoba with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The council has approved funding for over 400 ag projects in the province, Eastley said.
MRAC is also responsible for administering Manitoba’s $10.3 million share of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s $243 million Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program. ACAAF funds eligible ag innovation projects in Manitoba for up to $300,000.
As MRAC’s executive director, Eastley is to be responsible for its overall leadership and management, which includes responsibility for budget and staff management and implementing MRAC’s strategic direction.
Eastley will replace Terry Hayward, who’s retiring from the post after having been hired in September 2006.
