Kelly Duffy Youth Leadership Award
The Agricultural Adaptation Council has launched a new award to support youth leadership in Ontario’s agri-food sector. The Kelly Duffy Youth Leadership Award will honour the legacy of a long-serving AAC board member who’s commitment and dedicated service to Ontario’s agri-food sector was truly inspiring.
Kelly was first elected to the AAC board as a Youth-at-Large representative in 2010, and served her full ten-year term limit, including 3 years as AAC Board Chair. Throughout her tenure she displayed remarkable passion for agriculture and the food and beverage industry. Her positive outlook and strong leadership skills helped the organization navigate change and left a profound impact on her colleagues and the broader sector as a whole.
The AAC board of directors will provide $5,000 annually to assist an aspiring agri-food leader in the development of skills and knowledge to benefit Ontario’s broader agri-food sector. This award celebrates Kelly's contributions by recognizing individuals who exemplify the qualities she embodied throughout her life and career.
AAC member organizations are encouraged to nominate youth who wish to enhance their careers in the agri-food sector through continuing education, training and professional development. Nominations will be received until November 14th, 2025. A committee will review applications and adjudicate decisions based on alignment with Kelly's values: leadership, global awareness, passion for the agri-food industry and personal integrity. Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a committment to continued learning and leadership in Ontario's agri-food sector, and who embody diversity, collaboration and growth.
The successful candidate will receive the inaugural award at AAC's Annual General Meeting in December 2025. In addition to the $5,000 award, the recipient will be offerered an ex-officio position on the AAC Board of Directors for one year, offering mentorship, professional development and the opportunity to observe and participate in board governance in service to Ontario's agri-food industry.
Remembering Kelly's Key Values
Passion for the Ontario agri-food sector
Recipients of this award demonstrate a deep and enduring commitment to Ontario’s agriculture and food sector. Their passion is shown through active involvement in agricultural, food, or beverage initiatives and a strong desire to contribute to the sector’s continued growth and vitality. They have an understanding of how Ontario’s agri-food industry connects to broader markets and recognize the importance of staying informed about emerging trends, innovations, and global market opportunities that can influence local success. Their dedication goes beyond participation—they are thoughtful, engaged advocates for the industry who show curiosity about its evolving landscape and enthusiasm for contributing to its long-term resilience and prosperity.
Leadership and integrity
Strong leadership and the ability to inspire others are central to this award. Recipients are emerging leaders who have taken initiative in academic, professional, or community settings, demonstrating vision, accountability, and the capacity to guide others toward shared goals. They create inclusive environments, foster collaboration, and seek opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills through continued learning. Their influence extends beyond formal roles—they lead by example, encourage others to grow, and contribute meaningfully to the agri-food sector’s progress. They are authentic leaders who balance ambition with empathy, building trust and fostering positive relationships. Their integrity is evident in how they engage with their peers and communities, consistently contributing in ways that uplift and inspire others.
Work-Life Balance
In addition to her dediciation to the agri-food sector and her role as a leader, Kelly understood the importance of balancing career, personal life and relationships. Recipients of this award will demonstrate an understanding of how can leaders give fully to their teams, organizations and communities yet maintain what's important in other aspects of their lives.
1. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
- Youth (29 years old and younger) who are pursuing continued education or leadership development in agriculture, food or related fields
- Applicants must be Ontario residents
- Applicants must be nominated by an AAC member organization Click here for nomination form
- Demonstrates alignment with the values Kelly Duffy represented
2. ELIGIBLE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
- Enrollment in college or university programs with an emphasis on agri-food
- Professional skills development or courses for individuals working in agri-food
- Programs to enhance leadership skills that will advance participation in the agri-food industry
- Professional accreditations or certifications that will enhance contributions to agri-food organizations
2. APPLICATION PROCESS
- Applicants to fill out application form outlining their education or training activities
- Applicants will write an essay as part of the process that:1. Describes how they embody Kelly's key values 2. Provides concrete examples of passion for, and demonstrated leadership contributions to the agri-food sector and, 3. Illustrates personal experiences that reflect Kelly's legacy of humour, kindness, strength and grace
- Contact an eligible AAC member to nominate them as a candidate
3. TIMELINES
- Submission of applications no later than November 14th 2025
- Announcement of award at AAC AGM in December 2025
Apply Now
Download Nomination and Application Forms (word documents)
