Joelle Faulkner

Joelle Faulkner is the President and CEO of Area One Farms, a firm she co-founded in 2012 that focuses on alternative asset management specifically in the agricultural sector. Under her leadership, Area One Farms has developed a unique farmer-centric private equity model aimed at scaling Canadian family farms while delivering attractive returns to investors. The company has successfully raised three funds and invested approximately $450 million across more than 200,000 acres of farmland in Canada.125

Education and Early Career

Faulkner holds multiple degrees, including:

• Engineering and Business from Western University
• Law from the University of Oxford
• Master of Laws and a Certificate in Biodesign from Stanford University

She is also a Rhodes Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar, and she is a member of the New York Bar Association.13

Before founding Area One Farms, Faulkner gained experience at prestigious institutions such as Bain & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Onex. Her background in investment and management has been instrumental in shaping her approach to financing agricultural growth.12

Contributions and Recognition

Faulkner's innovative work has earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and inclusion in lists highlighting Canada’s Most Powerful Women. She actively serves on the boards of several companies, including Colibri Inc. and Cognicity Inc..134

Through Area One Farms, she has played a crucial role in supporting Canadian farmers, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her firm provides essential capital for farm expansions and transitions, helping to ensure food security while fostering sustainable agricultural practices.23