FCF Chairperson Joins Seeds of Diversity
Not-for-profit seed stewardship across Canadian agriculture
Seeds of Diversity has appointed a new Director with deep experience in agricultural governance. Andrew Nunez-Alvarez, Chairperson of the Federation of Cannabis Farmers (FCF), joined Seeds of Diversity as a Board Director following a vote held on Saturday, November 22. The appointment reflects experience in board and operational roles across not-for-profit agricultural and horticultural organizations, with a focus on building member-led structures that serve producers.
Seeds of Diversity is a Canadian not-for-profit organization with over 3,000 members from coast to coast. The organization protects Canada’s seed biodiversity by growing seed diversity and sharing it with others. That mission supports long-term agricultural resilience by safeguarding genetics that influence future food security, regional adaptation, and sustainable production.
Seeds of Diversity reinforces strong governance values. The organization's Board of Directors guide the organization’s vision and oversee staff work. The board values contributions from members in all regions of Canada, from diverse backgrounds, with experience in non-profit governance and community leadership. This governance model reflects a practical standard across Canadian agriculture, where member leadership and transparency build trust.
Why this milestone matters
This appointment strengthens cross-collaboration among agricultural commodity and farm organizations across Canada. It creates new opportunities to connect seed biodiversity work with producer education, research partnerships, and broader agriculture networks that support the future of cannabis farming as an agricultural commodity.
Milestone outcomes include:
- Stronger relationships between cannabis farming leadership and seed biodiversity networks
- Increased opportunities for collaboration across agricultural commodities and regions
- Greater visibility for biodiversity stewardship as a shared agricultural priority
Spotlight on Seeds of Diversity leadership
Bob Wildfong serves as Executive Director of Seeds of Diversity and brings decades of experience in seed stewardship and education. Bob has been saving seeds and teaching about garden biodiversity for over 30 years. His approach combines science and storytelling to explain the lives of seeds, plants, and pollinators.
Bob has been a Seeds of Diversity member since 1988 and became the first Executive Director in 2002 after a career in software engineering. He teaches garden and food history at the Waterloo Region Museum and supports pollinator preservation through Pollinator Partnership Canada. He is also a past president of the Culinary Historians of Canada, known for linking past lessons to future food sustainability.
What happens next
- Seeds of Diversity work will continue to build national visibility for seed biodiversity and stewardship.
- Collaboration opportunities will be explored where seed genetics and agricultural education align.
- Board leadership will support clear governance, accountability, and mission-driven decision-making.
Conclusion
Thank you to Bob Wildfong, Kate Veinot, and Seeds of Diversity for the confidence shown through the board vote and the warm welcome. This appointment strengthens Canadian agriculture collaboration and supports long-term stewardship work that benefits farmers across commodities, regions, and generations.
