May 19, 2026 – The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) is pleased to announce that Mark Walker has joined the organization as executive director, effective May 19, 2026.
“We are excited to welcome Mark as executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association,” says Ryan Law, director trading, canola crush, Bunge and chair of the COPA board of directors. “His experience in markets, trade and policy, combined with his leadership across the agriculture value chain, makes him well positioned to support a competitive and growing oilseed processing sector in Canada.”
Walker brings extensive agriculture and value-chain know-how to the role. He previously served as vice-president, markets and trade with Cereals Canada, where he provided leadership on domestic and international market development priorities for the Canadian cereals value chain. He has also served as a board member and treasurer of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and was previously a manager with the Canadian Canola Growers Association. In addition, he has provided consulting services to agricultural clients on sustainability, policy and government relations.
“Canada’s oilseed processing sector is playing an increasingly important role in creating value, supporting domestic economic growth and serving global food, feed and fuel markets,” says Walker. “I’m pleased to join COPA at a time of significant investment and opportunity, and I look forward to working with members and partners to help advance the sector’s long-term competitiveness.”
Walker holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Carleton University.
The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association is a federally incorporated non-profit industry association that works in partnership with the Canola Council of Canada to represent the interests of oilseed processors in Canada.