Laurie Sandeson has been working in the agricultural sector for over 20 years. She began her career as a marketing and consumer consultant for an agricultural commodity organization in Nova Scotia. She then enjoyed many years with the NS Department of Agriculture as market development officer providing assistance to many sectors of the agricultural industry.
Laurie joined the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 2001 and has led the development of AgriTECH Park, a university research facility with a mandate to encourage the growth and development of exciting economic opportunities for the agri-food industry. The research park has seen considerable development over the past several years including infrastructure improvements, new tenants and most recently, the establishment of an agri-business incubation/acceleration facility. The mission is to provide one-stop-shop for incubation of new products, acceleration of new technology and attraction of new agri-business into the region with a particular focus on agri-health, agri-energy and agri-bio opportunities. The innovation centre at AgriTECH Park offers processing space for rent, access to business, marketing and financial support and an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs as well as the knowledge-base available through the adjacent university.
AgriTECH Park is one of 27 research parks across Canada and is a member of the Association of University Research Parks – Canada (AURP Canada). Laurie is currently a member and Secretary of AURP Canada Board of Directors. This national association, established in 2007, is a not-for-profit with a mandate to act as the unified voice of Canadian university research parks. The nearly 1000 knowledge-based business located in our parks are strengthening the innovation system, increasing global competitiveness and positioning the federal government for continued economic prosperity.
Whether at the national or provincial level, Laurie is committed to supporting economic development opportunities, particularly as they apply to rural communities.
Laurie holds a BSc in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Prince Edward Island and an MSc in Rural Extension Studies from the University of Guelph.
