Cleanfarms Announces Retirement of Founding Executive Director Barry Friesen
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Cleanfarms, the national producer responsibility organization dedicated to managing agricultural waste across Canada, has announced that its founding Executive Director, Barry Friesen, will retire on April 2, 2026. The announcement marks the end of a significant era for the organization, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary under Friesen's visionary leadership.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship and Innovation
Barry Friesen, a professional engineer and respected leader in the solid waste industry, has been instrumental in establishing and growing Cleanfarms from its humble beginnings as a one-person startup into an industry-leading organization serving farmers from coast to coast. His career spans decades of public and private service focused on advancing recycling and resource recovery initiatives throughout Canada.
"Barry has been more than a leader; he is a mentor, a builder and a trusted voice for this industry," said Boyd Bergstrom, Chair of Cleanfarms Board of Directors. "His vision, integrity and commitment to building a disciplined, progressive organization with strong governance have helped Cleanfarms earn positive national and international recognition."
Transformative Programs and Record Achievements
Under Friesen's leadership, Cleanfarms has developed 10 comprehensive programs that help farmers recycle and sustainably manage agricultural tools used on farms. These initiatives are funded by the agricultural industry under the extended producer responsibility model, creating a sustainable framework for environmental management.
The organization's focus on innovation has yielded remarkable results, including:
- A small container recycling program achieving recycling rates exceeding 80%
- Collection of over 100 million kilograms of agricultural waste across all programs since inception
- Development of pilot programs addressing emerging agricultural waste challenges
Distinguished Career and Industry Recognition
Prior to his role at Cleanfarms, Friesen served as Regional Vice President with Product Care Association, where he helped establish Ontario's Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste Program. He also held the position of Director of Waste Services for the Region of Niagara and served in senior roles with Nova Scotia's Department of Environment, where he led the development of the province's solid waste-resource management strategy.
In 2022, CropLife Canada honored Friesen with the Cam Davreux Stewardship Award for his long-standing commitment to agricultural stewardship. This recognition underscores his significant contributions to environmental protection within the agricultural sector.
A Foundation for Future Success
"Working with the extended Cleanfarms family has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," said Friesen. "I've had the privilege of connecting with Cleanfarms members, farmers, industry partners and stakeholders across Canada and beyond who share a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Through it all, I'm especially proud of the team we've built and the impacts we've achieved together."
Bergstrom emphasized that Friesen's legacy will continue through the programs Cleanfarms delivers today and the strong foundation he leaves behind. "We are deeply grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in retirement," he added.
The retirement announcement comes as Cleanfarms continues to expand its environmental initiatives, building upon the sustainable framework established during Friesen's tenure. The organization remains committed to helping Canadian farmers manage agricultural waste responsibly while promoting recycling and resource recovery across the agricultural sector.
