Cleanfarms, Canada's national stewardship organization for managing agricultural plastics and packaging, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. The group has appointed Bob Lepischak, a respected grain and oilseeds producer from Neepawa, Manitoba, to its Board of Directors.
A Producer's Perspective for National Stewardship
Mr. Lepischak, who officially joined the board in late 2025, brings a wealth of on-the-ground farming experience and organizational governance to the role. As a Director with the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC), he is deeply familiar with the policy and operational challenges facing Canadian cereal and oilseed farmers. His board experience also includes leadership positions with the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) and the Manitoba Oat Growers Association (MOGA).
Boyd Bergstrom, Chair of the Cleanfarms Board, emphasized the value of this appointment. "We are pleased to welcome Bob Lepischak to the Cleanfarms Board of Directors," Bergstrom stated. "Bob’s wide-ranging expertise as a producer with experience in grain-sector policy will strengthen our work, helping us deliver accessible, producer-driven stewardship solutions for the challenges ahead."
Driving Solutions for Farm Plastics
In his new capacity, Lepischak aims to bridge the gap between national environmental goals and the practical realities of farm operations. He highlighted the essential role of plastics in modern agriculture and the critical need for responsible end-of-life management.
"Plastics are valuable in the business of farming – there’s no getting around it. And at the end of the day – when we’re finished with them, we don’t want them to go to landfills or wind up in the environment," Lepischak commented. "I’m proud to add my voice to the Cleanfarms Board on behalf of growers so we can find solutions for them – not just for today – but for years to come."
Commitment to a Circular Agricultural Economy
This appointment underscores Cleanfarms' commitment to ensuring its governance reflects the diverse needs of Canadian agriculture, from grain and oilseed production to horticulture and livestock. The organization collaborates with members, partners, and provincial regulators to manage agricultural waste and promote circular economy solutions across the country.
Cleanfarms, funded by its members across the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural plastics industries, operates programs nationwide. Its team is located in key agricultural regions including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
The addition of a seasoned Western Canadian producer like Bob Lepischak is expected to be instrumental as Cleanfarms continues to expand and enhance its national recycling and management programs for farm plastics.
