Canadian Fertilizer Institute appoints Garth Whyte as President and Chief Executive Officer

OTTAWA, June 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Garth Whyte as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Whyte brings decades of industry association, advocacy, and government experience, most recently as President and Chief Executive Office of Restaurants Canada. Restaurants Canada is the voice of Canada's $72-billion foodservices industry, with more than 30,000 members including restaurants, bars, caterers and other foodservice providers. Previously, Mr. Whyte was Executive Vice President at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) where he held several other positions in his 23-year career. CFIB is Canada's largest business association, representing 109,000 owners of small-and-medium sized businesses. Mr. Whyte began his career with the Government of Saskatchewan.

"Garth brings a breadth and depth of experience to CFI at a time that Canada's fertilizer industry is facing significant growth opportunities," said Greg Yont of Agrium Inc. and Chairman of CFI's Board of Directors. "Garth's proven leadership skills, relationship-building focus and knowledge of government will elevate CFI's existing economic, social and environmental programs, while promoting the industry to decision-makers and all Canadians."

"Fertilizer is the backbone of the agricultural economy, in Canada and around the world," said Whyte. "I am excited to work with members, staff, partners and government to ensure the industry can meet the challenge of feeding the world with safe and nutritious food."

Mr. Whyte assumes leadership from Clyde Graham, who has served as Acting President since October 1, 2014. Mr. Graham will resume his responsibilities as Senior Vice President. The Board of Directors sincerely thanks Mr. Graham for his leadership, and for continuing to build and evolve the association through this transition. His efforts made a lasting and positive contribution.

The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers. Canada's fertilizer industry plays an essential role in ensuring that world food needs can be met economically and sustainably. Canada supplies approximately 12 per cent of the world's fertilizer materials, and is the largest exporter of potash and elemental sulphur. As well, the industry contributes over $12-billion annually to the Canadian economy.

SOURCE Canadian Fertilizer Institute

Image with caption: "Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CNW Group/Canadian Fertilizer Institute)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150622_C8470_PHOTO_EN_18266.jpg

Media contacts: Elizabeth Smith, Manager, Communications, Canadian Fertilizer Institute, [email protected], C: [phone]