Latest news with #BarryFriesen
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beyond Collection: Cleanfarms 2024 Annual Report Showcases Impactful Innovation through Partnerships in Ag Sustainability
Annual Report 2024: Innovation Through Partnership ETOBICOKE, Ontario, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cleanfarms' newly released 2024 Annual Report unveils the innovative partnerships and impactful results driving a greener future for Canadian farming. In 2024, Cleanfarms helped recover more than 10 million kg of agricultural plastics and products—including pesticide and fertilizer containers, grain bags, silage plastics, twine, and much more—thanks to the commitment of Canadian farmers and partners across the value chain. 'The Cleanfarms 2024 Annual Report is a tribute to the farmers and program partners and collection sites who have helped us evolve from a single-container recovery program to a national leader in agricultural recycling. It's about building programs that farmers need, and that they trust and use, day by day, year over year,' said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. The full report details Cleanfarms' strategy for sustainable growth in Canadian agriculture through scaling, innovation, and collaboration, as highlighted by several key 2024 achievements, such as: 96,600 units of pesticide and fertilizer non-deposit drums and totes for recycling, achieving an increase of 8% over 2023 Maple tubing recycling that reached 733,000 kg, marking a 28% increase from 2023 Expansion of on-farm pickups from high-generation operations in Western Canada Launch of the 'Great Twine Round-Up' contest to engage youth in circular farming in Alberta, with the first draw in January 2025; the contest closes in May 2025 A new record of 996,000 kg of seed, pesticide, fertilizer, inoculant, feed and horticulture bags collected in 2024, representing a 26% increase over 2023 Recycling program participation for animal feed, bedding, and peat moss bags rising 1.77 million kg of grain bags collected through the first EPR-based program in Saskatchewan View the 2024 Annual Report Through continued innovation and strong partnerships, Cleanfarms is driving real change—building practical recycling solutions that support Canadian farmers and strengthen a circular, sustainable agricultural system. About Cleanfarms Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Media contactCatherine LecomteMedia Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator 778-793-7926 | lecomtec@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Cleanfarms Celebrates 15 Years of Agricultural Sustainability Leadership
ETOBICOKE, Ontario, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cleanfarms marks its 15th anniversary as a global leader in agricultural waste management, having collected over 97,000,000 kg of agricultural waste materials from Canadian farms since programming began. Since inception, Cleanfarms, a Canadian not-for-profit industry stewardship organization has become a global leader in collecting, recycling, and safely disposing of used agricultural plastics, packaging, and products. Over the past 15 years, Cleanfarms has expanded its programs to offer comprehensive management solutions for agricultural plastics including grain bags, silage plastics, bale wrap, and crop input packaging such as pesticide and fertilizer containers, seed bags, and large tote bags. Most recently, it introduced a recycling program for maple tubing, gaining traction across Quebec. This growth stems from strong support from Cleanfarms' members and the commitment of Canadian farmers embracing sustainable practices. With a 78% three-year recovery rate for its flagship recycling program for agricultural containers under 23L, and a network of more than 1,500 collection sites nationwide, Cleanfarms continues to make responsible agricultural waste management accessible to farmers from coast to coast. 'We are extremely proud of how far Cleanfarms has come in the last 15 years and value our partnerships with industry and farmers across the country,' said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. 'But we have a long way to go. We expect soon to see more of the ag plastics we recycle come right back for use on the farm as we continue to build a strong and resilient circular economy for agricultural plastics in Canada.' Boyd Bergstrom, Chair of the Cleanfarms Board, added: 'This milestone reflects the dedication of Cleanfarms staff, our board members' vision, our partners, and most importantly, the farmers who participate. These achievements stem from our shared commitment to responsible stewardship. We're excited to further improve sustainability through our agricultural plastics recycling and recovery programs.' Cleanfarms extends its sincere thanks to all farmers, industry partners, and stakeholders who have supported its initiatives and helped drive the organization's success in building a more sustainable future for Canadian agriculture. Discover our 15-year journey! About Cleanfarms Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Media contact Catherine Lecomte Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator 778-793-7926 | lecomtec@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
