Senator Rob Black

BIOGRAPHY

The Honourable Rob Black, P. Ag. (Hon.) has worked in the rural, agricultural, and leadership arenas for much of his working career with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), 4-H Ontario, the Ontario Soybean Growers, The Centre for Rural Leadership and the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI).

He has had close involvement with 4-H Canada and 4-H Ontario, and other leadership programs, such as Junior Farmers and the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP). He credits his involvement in these programs with allowing him to develop the skills that would lead him to become a senator.

In February 2018, Rob received a call from the Prime Minister, summoning him to the Senate to represent the province of Ontario. The Prime Minister told Rob that he wanted him to bring his background in agriculture, rural community development, and leadership development to the Senate.

Since February 27, 2018, Rob has been working on several issues of importance to Canadians through his role. Currently, Rob is Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. Rob served as the Chair of the Canadian Senators Group (CSG) from its inception in 2019 until October 2023.

Senator Black has been recognized for his significant work in the agriculture and agri-food sectors over the years:

• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
• Outstanding Leadership Program Director Award from the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership (IAPAL) (2013).
• Honourary Member of the Canadian 4-H Council (2016).
• One of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Agriculture by Canadian Western Agribition (2021).
• 2021 Produce Champion by the Canadian Produce Marketing Agency.
• Hal Rogers Fellow Award (2023), the highest honour conferred by the Kin Canada Foundation given to those who have made a significant difference to their communities.
• Honourary Member of the Canadian Society of Soil Science (2024).
• Honourary designation as a Professional Agrologist by the Ontario Institute of Agrologists (OIA) (2025). 
• Distinguished Service Medal of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the highest recognition of the IUSS presented to world soil leaders who have translated soil science into action (2025).

Rob and his wife Julie live north of Fergus in Ontario and have four grown children and three grandsons.