MLT Aikins agriculture and food lawyer Scott Exner has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the agriculture industry by the Canadian Western Agribition Top 50 in Canadian Agriculture (CWA Top 50).
The CWA Top 50 is a public campaign presented by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) that highlights Canada’s agriculture leaders. Scott is recognized in the mentor category for his in-depth legal proficiency, leadership and volunteer activities and extensive network; he has helped shape significant changes and developments for agriculture and food in Western Canada.
Scott has provided legal and business advice to the agriculture and food industry in Western Canada for 30 years. During that time he has assisted clients develop innovation and drive change in the industry.
Scott has a long history of acting for many players in the agriculture and food industry including grain companies, producer car loading facilities, livestock producers, potash companies, food manufacturers, processing companies, rail service companies and lenders. He has also assisted international agribusiness companies expand their operations into Canada. Scott has been consistently recognized by Chambers Canada as a leading food and agribusiness lawyer in Canada.
Beyond his legal work, Scott is an active volunteer and educator in the agriculture and food industry. He currently sits on the board of the Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta and the Alberta Food Processors Association and on the Alberta Government’s Red Tape Reduction Panel for Food and Agriculture and the Calgary Stampede International Food and Agriculture Committee. His extensive network allows him to connect agribusinesses, producers, investors, entrepreneurs, governments and lenders for mutually beneficial relationships.
He also co-developed and instructs Food and Agricultural Law at the University of Calgary College of Law. He is a frequent speaker on establishing and growing agribusinesses and continually seeks legislative changes to assist the growth and development of the food and agriculture industry.
Scott said, “I am humbled to be recognized as a top mentor in Canadian agriculture. The Canadian ag industry is world-renowned and our ag community is comprised of hard-working and innovative individuals who contribute to that reputation. I am honoured and privileged to be a part of and serve this industry which is always driving forward, changing and integral on the world stage.”
“We have an impressive agriculture and food industry group, and we are proud of the accomplishments and recognition of Scott Exner, who has served the agricultural community with passion and enthusiasm for his entire career,” said MLT Aikins Managing Partner, Aaron Runge. “As a western Canadian firm with roots going back more than 100 years, we are keenly aware of the importance of the agriculture and food industry to our firm and the communities in which we operate, and we are committed to giving back through efforts of our partners like Scott’s leadership and mentorship to the industry and its participants.”
About the CWA Top 50
The CWA Top 50 will be highlighted in a magazine format, online in February 2021 and celebrated at Agribition in November 2021.
Nominees for the CWA Top 50 are judged based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated advocacy for Canadian agriculture
- Leadership and volunteerism experience
- Record of positive contributions to their field, community or agriculture as a whole
- Diversity of experience, perspective and application of knowledge
- Overall positive impact on Canadian agriculture