About us
The TAA supports and advocates on behalf of individuals, businesses and organizations who are actively engaged (or wish to be actively engaged) in agri-food-related activities such as farming, food harvesting, production, processing, manufacturing or distribution with the intention of selling of generating revenue.
The Territorial Agrifood Association (TAA) is a non-governmental, non-profit civil society organization based in the Northwest Territories, Canada that was formed in 2020 to represent members of the agri-food value chain across the territory.
TAA was born from the Territorial Farmers Association and the NWT Food Network to unite commercial food growers, processors, manufacturers, chefs, restaurants, and others in the commercial food industry in the NWT to enhance the Territorial Agrifood Sector and improve the economic impact of members. TAA Board of Directors, staff, members, and supporters, along with government and funding partners are working together to drive the agrifood sector forward.
MISSION
The TAA promotes,
supports, and advocates for a sustainable, competitive, resilient agrifood industry
in the NWT through entrepreneurship
and innovation.
VALUES
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Entrepreneurship
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Innovation
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Inclusivity
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Sustainability
THE TAA WORKS TO:
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Unite all people interested in commercial agrifood endeavors in the Northwest Territories
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Advocate and lobby for the mutual interests of our members
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Secure public support in the NWT for policies and regulations related to all aspects of agrifood
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Contribute to evidence-based agrifood policy by actively researching and developing policy recommendations on key issues that impact our members
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Participate in and support agrifood research
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Deliver professional development opportunities through knowledge-sharing and training programs
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Enhance public awareness and understanding of the NWT agrifood sector and its importance to the NWT through public education
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Build partnerships within the Canadian agri-food sector
2024/2025 BOARD
Kevin Wallington
AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST & CONSULTANT
Alex McMeekin
GROWER
Gregory Haist
GROWER
Sheila Warren
PROCESSOR
Shirley Coumont
GROWER, ADVOCATE
Martin Gutaraz
RESTAURANTEUR, FARMER
OUR TEAM
Muni
Business Developer
Simon
Retail Coordinator
Abe
Finance Coordinator
Janet has been in the NWT for more than 30 years and brings a background in entrepreneurship and market development as well as experience in food retailing, food processing and food marketing in the NWT. She is the operational lead in bringing our projects and initiatives to life and leads our amazing team of staff and contractors. Janet also offers Notary Services for members through our Yellowknife office and is the appointed chair of the Agricultural Products Marketing Council . Janet is the current chair of Food Secure Canada.
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Janet can be reached at ed@nwtagrifood.ca
Julie
Grower's
Liaison
Jonathan
Events and Communications
Jazmin
Communications
Anjul
Chef and Flavour Forge Coordinator
Carl Jr and Tiffany
SF4C Team
Additional part time retail staff
Student Retail Associate Scarlett and her band play at the Still Dark Festival 2025.
Janet Dean
Executive
Director
MBA, MED, PMP