As Canada marks Earth Day 2026, Cleanfarms is entering a new phase as a mature 15-year-old organization dedicated to advancing circularity in Canadian agriculture. The organization has evolved significantly under the leadership of outgoing Executive Director Barry Friesen, who retired on April 2, 2026, after a career defined by visionary leadership.
Transformative Work Under Barry Friesen
Friesen spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive 'blue box' model for Canadian agriculture, established stewardship programs across the country, and provided operational support for provinces implementing extended producer responsibility policies for agricultural materials. His efforts have laid the groundwork for Cleanfarms' continued success.
Current Programs and Achievements
Cleanfarms now operates ten programs that help farmers recycle and sustainably manage agricultural plastics and products. In 2025, its flagship recycling program for pesticide and fertilizer containers under 23 liters—which consistently achieves a recovery rate exceeding 80%—was expanded to Newfoundland. The organization continues to collaborate with partners to develop innovative solutions for keeping used agricultural plastics in a closed-loop system, emphasizing that these materials are resources rather than waste.
Interim Executive Director Shane Hedderson highlighted the importance of these efforts: 'Recycling in this sector is hard to do, but worth it. It happens only through careful decisions, strong relationships with members and partners, and close collaboration with Canadian farmers. On Earth Day 2026, we celebrate the Cleanfarms way of ushering in a high-value phase of stewardship where circularity is both operationally viable and a valued component of the entire Canadian agricultural sector.'
About Cleanfarms
Cleanfarms is an agricultural producer responsibility organization dedicated to a healthier environment and sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural plastics, packaging, and products. It is funded by members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Team members are located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
For more information, contact Margot Beverley, Director of Communications, at beverleym@cleanfarms.ca or (647) 557-1801.
