Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) is dedicated to supporting the production of farm direct market vegetable crops, berry and fruit crops, bedding plants, perennials, herbs, flowers, meats, poultry, eggs, wines, meads, and other specialty items in Alberta.
AFFPA is a voluntary membership, non-profit organization representing direct market growers across the province of Alberta since 1985. Most AFFPA members market directly to consumers via U-Pick farms, farm gate sales, CSA shares and/or through Farmers’ Markets.
Associate members are allied trades people or those interested in this type of horticultural production.
The vision of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association is:
Alberta’s premier resource for producers of farm direct marketing products and their customers providing:
“Supporting and growing a profitable and sustainable local farm direct marketing industry. Bringing fresh, healthy, local food and farm experiences to Alberta communities by connecting local farms and local people.”
If you are a farm direct marketer interested in Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association please contact us at 403-964-FARM (3276) for further information. Membership application forms are available on this site under the “Members Corner” navigation menu.
Tam Andersen, President
Tam’s farm is Prairie Gardens, located in Sturgeon County, near Bon Accord, north of Edmonton. First established in 1956 as a tree nursery, Prairie Gardens is a small scale family farm and horticultural operation. Prairie Garden’s current offerings include the most comprehensive collection of prairie hardy (Zones 1-4) fruit trees, apples, cherries, plums, berries and nut trees they sell at their garden centre and tree nursery. Tam and her daughter Laurel grow 35 acres of market garden vegetables, u-pick strawberries, tart cherries, apples and pumpkins. Her farm has diversified into agritourism, farm-to-table dinners, and on-farm festivals. Fun Fact! Tam was President of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers from 1988 – 1992, when it was called the Alberta Market Gardeners Association. She has a passion for our industry and has worked tirelessly for the past 40 years to advocate for agritourism in Alberta.
Richard Staples, Vice President
Richard is a valued member of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. Check back soon to learn more about his experience and contributions to the industry.
Leona Bonneau, Treasurer
Leona owns and operates Charlotte Lake Farms with her husband in the Bonnyville area. While they took over the farm in 2014, it has been in Leona’s family since 1911. Charlotte Lake Farms specializes in raising Angus beef, offering farm-to-table sales, and running a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch each fall. Leona is a retired Chartered Professional Accountant, bringing her financial expertise to the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, where she has served on the board since December 2022—first as secretary and now as treasurer. Fun fact! Leona’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture spans generations, and she is passionate about supporting local food production in Alberta.
Barry Rasch, Secretary
Barry Rasch has deep roots in agriculture, growing up on a dairy farm before his family transitioned to cattle and grain farming. His passion for greenhouse operations led him to pursue work experience programs in high school and spend a season working at Holes Greenhouse in St. Albert. In 1993, he purchased his own commercial greenhouse through a young entrepreneur grant.
Barry later built a career in warehouse, shipping, and logistics while raising his family in Thorsby. He spent 13 years in municipal government as a Councillor and Mayor, gaining experience in intermunicipal negotiations, relationship building, and community projects. In 2004, he founded the Thorsby Communities in Bloom Society, which he has chaired for over 21 years, leading projects, securing grants, and strengthening community ties.
In 2019, Barry earned a Business and Digital Marketing diploma. He received the Giving Gardener Award in 2021 and was nominated for the Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022. Today, Barry is returning to his roots with Urban Mill Greens, a high-tech vertical LED growing container business, aiming to deliver fresh, local produce year-round.
Cindy Collins, Director South Region
Cindy is a valued member of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. Check back soon to learn more about her experience and contributions to the industry.
Rick Barr, Director Central Region
Rick a valued member of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. Check back soon to learn more about their experience and contributions to the industry.
Sam Kreuger, Director
Sam is a valued member of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. Check back soon to learn more about their experience and contributions to the industry.
Howl Jenkins, Director
Chef Howl Jenkins is the Head Chef at The Gathering Place Co-op in Waskatenau, Alberta, a farmer-owned organization dedicated to empowering local producers. The Gathering Place Co-op connects small-scale growers with the community through markets, restaurant offerings, producer dinners, and online marketing. Shopping and dining with them means supporting sustainable, locally grown food and strengthening local food systems.
With over 20 years in the culinary industry, Chef Howl is passionate about farm-to-fork practices and fostering strong relationships with producers. As Head Chef, he is committed to creating meaningful connections between the community and the food they eat, celebrating the work of small-scale, conscientious growers. Fun fact! Chef Howl is an active supporter of Alberta’s local food movement and is dedicated to growing these connections as a board member of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association.
Eileen Kotowich, Ex-Officio
Eileen is the farmers’ market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. She manages the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program and supports producers and processors who sell directly to consumers through farmers’ markets and on-farm sales. She also helps businesses looking to expand into retail and foodservice markets. Eileen has served as an ex officio advisor on the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association board since 2011, providing governance advice, strategic planning facilitation, and assistance with the annual conference. Fun fact! Eileen is deeply committed to strengthening Alberta’s local food economy and has been a key advocate for farmers’ markets across the province.
Sharon Faye, Advisor
Sharon is the Local Food Coordinator at Leduc County and serves as an advisor to the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association board. With over 30 years of experience in agriculture, she has worked in soils, crop research, horticultural production, and market analysis. Her career has included roles as a crop research technician at the University of Saskatchewan, an instructional assistant at Olds College, and a market analyst specializing in crops with Alberta Agriculture. Sharon has led industry-government projects and worked closely with producers to support local food and direct marketing initiatives. Fun fact! Sharon is passionate about strengthening Alberta’s local food industry and takes great pride in connecting producers with opportunities to grow their businesses.
Blaine Staples, Advisor
Blaine and Leona Staples own The Jungle Farm, a family-run operation dedicated to growing fresh, local produce. Passionate about community and industry growth, they actively contribute to organizations such as the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, North American Strawberry Growers, Olds College, the Innisfail Chamber of Commerce, and Innisfail Co-op. They believe that volunteering strengthens both the industry and the community, and they are committed to fostering a vibrant local food network. Fun fact! Blaine and Leona’s dedication to agriculture extends beyond their farm, as they continually work to support and advocate for farmers across Alberta.
Rob Spencer, Advisor
Rob is a valued member of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. Check back soon to learn more about their experience and contributions to the industry.
Open Position, Director
We are currently seeking a dedicated individual to join the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association board. If you are an AFFPA member and would like to contribute to the growth of our industry, we encourage you to apply. Please send your resume to info@albertafarmfresh.com, and we will get back to you shortly.
Kathryn Dragowska, Communications Coordinator
Check back soon to learn more about their experience and contributions to the industry.
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