FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON, August 20, 2025 – Fertilizer Canada appoints Casper Kaastra, CEO of Sollio Agriculture, as the new Chair of the association’s Board of Directors. Kaastra has served on the board for over five years, including the last two as Vice-Chair. He brings strong leadership and extensive experience in agriculture, fertilizer distribution, specialty products, and agri-retail.
“For over 25 years, I have been working to support and strengthen the agriculture industry,” says Kaastra. “Farmers rely on fertilizer to reintroduce nutrients and maximize their yields. Ensuring a reliable supply and supporting product innovation is essential. This is an important time for the industry, and I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the Fertilizer Canada team to advance our sector.”
Kaastra joined Sollio Agriculture in 2014 as General Manager of the Crop Production sector and took on the role of CEO in 2021. Raised on a dairy farm near Aylmer, Ontario, he has dedicated his career to agriculture. His business acumen, deep understanding of agriculture, and years of board experience position him well to serve as Chair.
“Casper has been an invaluable member of the Board of Directors, providing business insights and beneficial perspectives from the retail and farm level,” says Michael Bourque, President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada. “I’m pleased to see him take on this leadership position and look forward to working with him to advocate for increased competitiveness, strengthened supply chains, and greater awareness of the value of Canada’s agri-food industry.”
Kaastra succeeds Lindsay Kaspick, Regional Marketing Manager of Koch Fertilizer Canada, who will remain a director on the board.
“We appreciate Lindsay’s leadership and work over the last two years,” says Bourque. “His strong direction has enhanced our advocacy efforts, and we are pleased he will remain on the board to continue to provide his strategic insights and direction.”
Fertilizer Canada has also appointed James Wirth, Director, Sustainable Energy Solutions at K+S Potash Canada, as Vice-Chair. Both Chair and Vice-Chair positions are held for two-year terms.
Fertilizer Canada’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors includes: Casper Kaastra, Sollio Agriculture; James Wirth, K+S Potash Canada; Dale Matchett, Richardson International; Stephen Jonkhans, CF Industries; Matt Conacher, Federated Co-Operatives Limited; Brad Dempsey, J.R. Simplot; Sarah Fedorchuk, The Mosaic Company; John Mackinnon, Cavendish Agri Services; Cassandra Loomans, Sylvite Holdings Inc.; Matthew Rosgen, Cargill Ltd.; Duncan Pottinger, Nutrien; Mandy Huska, Yara North America; and Michael Bourque, Fertilizer Canada.
About Fertilizer Canada
Fertilizer Canada represents producers, manufacturers, importers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. The fertilizer industry plays an essential role in Canada’s economy, contributing over $42 billion annually and employing over 118,000 workers throughout the supply chain. We are committed to supporting the industry through innovation, stewardship, safety and security. As the foundation of Canada’s agri-food sector, we apply innovative solutions that positively impact agriculture, the economy, and the social fabric of Canadian life.
Media Contact:
Kayla FitzPatrick
Senior Director of Communications
Fertilizer Canada
kfitzpatrick@fertilizercanada.ca
(613)979-8723
