Inducted 2021

Jane began her career in agricultural communications at Fieldstone Marketing & Public Relations in Alberta. After returning home to Ontario, she was employed with Ginty Jocius and Associates, Kahntact Marketing and worked as a Senior Writer and Public Relations Specialist at AdFarm for nearly 20 years. Today she is employed as a full-time agricultural freelance writer, based in Guelph, ON.

Jane is one of the longest-serving volunteers of ECFWA, providing two decades of her time and talent to the organization. She held several executive positions between 1991 when she joined ECFWA up until her retirement from the board in 2011.

Jane left a legacy that included the longest-running newsletter editor. She also served as a director for several years after retiring her editor post with The Nib.

Her attention to detail and enthusiasm for farm writers could also be seen in her leadership roles in organizing ECFWA events and CFWF conferences including Niagara, Windsor and Belleville.

In the early 1990s, Jane took on the task of CFWF Awards Program Coordinator, dedicating countless hours to the annual event. Through the years, she revamped the program to include new categories and other successful updates. She retired that post in 2004.

Jane also took on a huge role as sponsorship chair for the 2011 IFAJ congress. She raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the event. In fact, she was so successful that leftover funds were directed into a legacy fund for CFWF.

According to Owen Roberts, CFWF Lifetime Achievement recipient, “it’s safe to say Jane’s steady hand helped stabilize the federation at a time when it was a little tipsy.”

There’s a good chance Jane Robinson has been involved in or supported just about every farm communications group, event or project in Ontario. Jane’s approach is always from a supportive, behind the scenes role and she’s never one to look for credit for her contributions.

She has been a leader on regional, national and international farm writer committees, raised thousands of dollars for conferences and has volunteered countless hours to organizing professional development activities for fellow members.

Jane has always been quick to offer a helping hand or share advice, professional contacts and experience to support fellow members or farm writer chapters. She has also been a mentor to several young professionals, offering a listening ear or advice when asked.

Jane has been the communications support behind the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for nearly 10 years, and often volunteers her time to coordinate Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame nominations.

Jane’s passion for farming and food extends well beyond the agricultural community, using her same quiet, no-need-for-recognition approach. She has volunteered as a Big Sister, fundraises for leukemia research and helps leukemia support groups. She is also one of the biggest supporters of all things local – long before the phrase became popular. Jane loves to support local farmers, farmers’ markets and independent retailers, and as members of the farm community, we can all appreciate her passion and support.