HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-10Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Members Present: Don Rickard Tom Barrie Ted Watson
Brenda Metcalf Richard Rekker John Cartwright
Ben Eastman Les Caswell Eric Bowman
Councillor Zwart
Regrets: Jennifer Knox, Henry Zekveld
Guests: Lisa Mackenzie and Nancy Rutherford, Region of Durham
Planning and Economic Development
Staff: Amy Burke, Faye Langmaid,
Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions.
Adoption of Agenda
019-01 Moved by Don Rickard, seconded by Eric Bowman
"That the Agenda for January 10th, 2019 be adopted"
Carried
Approval of Minutes
019-02 Moved by Tom Barrie, seconded by Richard Rekker
"That the minutes of the December 13, 2018 meeting be approved"
Carried
Presentation
Region of Durham Local Food Business Retention & Expansion Prosect — Lisa and Nancy
provided an overview of how the interviews were conducted, the sub -sectors
interviewed and the results of the study. The presentation provided by Lisa was sent to
committee members as a pdf.
There are some interesting findings on consumer behavior, the consumer is educating
the producer on what they want and what should be grown. The market intelligence
coming out of the study provides some emerging trends. The Committee members
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 10, 2019
expressed that consumer behaviour / needs is a potential area of further examination
and research.
There is use of the OFVAC facility by Durham producers, it is now very busy and
considering if it needs a night shift. There is a need for a commercial kitchen in
Durham.
Next Steps include analysis of the information, an action plan and implementation plan.
The results will feed into the Durham Agriculture Strategic Plan Update.
Business Arising
CA Watershed Plans as follow-up to the presentation at the last meeting comments
have been provided to CLOCA with regard to the questions the committee has about
the 46% natural cover target when the Region's Official Plan is 30%, it appears that
target is trying to make up for what has been lost in other urbanized watersheds. The
mapping needs to account for the Agricultural System issued by OMAFRA last year.
The committee would like to see the stewardship project funding for environmental farm
plan initiatives reinstated by CLOCA. Habitat Enhancement needs to be defined, is it
tree planning, allowing land to go fallow, late hay harvest, cover crops? A program
could be developed for 10 acre lots that are not farmed to turn them into habitat
enhancement areas, such as meadows and targeted tree planting areas.
Zone Clarington has open houses planned for late January and early February. If you
have comments in advance of then please let Amy know. There have already been
some feedback on potential mapping errors which is very useful for us.
Council and Committee Reports
Council Items: Referral of the request from Durham Region for a member of DAAC.
Tom Barrie volunteered to be the representative from Clarington to DAAC.
Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee: The DAAC Tour will be September 12th
Durham Region Federation of Agriculture: (Durham Farm Connections) Richard provide
the DRFA report to all by e-mail in advance of the meeting.
The Farm Connections will be at Vipod Arena on April 2, 3, 4. The Agricultural Gala will
be October 24th. Farm Connections has a consultant working on the plan for a Regional
agricultural historical home, what form it should take, funding and programming.
Clarington Board of Trade: CBOT issued a note reminding members of CBOT about
caution near farm vehicles in December. Committee members are curious about the
planning for the Agricultural Summit.
New Business
Appointments to AACC — are to be ratified by Council on January 14th 'most existing
members up for renewal. Council representative will be Councillor Zwart who is familiar
with the committee, having attended a number of times in the past.
Election of Chair and Vice -Chair — Will be on the agenda for next meeting.
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 10, 2019
Barn Fire Information from OMAFRA and Chief Weir— Distributed by e-mail prior to the
meeting.
Climate Change —Regional Agricultural Adaptation Strategy — Donald provided an
overview of the document that has been circulated to all. Future weather predictions
(2040-2049) indicate that it will be warmer, wetter and wilder. It is hoped that members
will review and provide comments to Kristy Kilbourne Kristy.Kilbourne(cb-durham.ca by
the end of January.
Durham Agriculture Strategic Plan — the previous plan was 2013-2018, the Region has
hired a consultant to assist with preparation of an updated strategy. Brenda attended
meeting earlier today to provide input. There was discussion on how the targets have to
be measurable and the need for reporting, monitoring. Lisa and Nancy will come in
March to AACC for input into the next 5 year strategy. Committee is looking for an
update on what has been achieved as part of the presentation.
Future Agendas
Health Canada representative to discuss the concerns heard at the July 12, 2018 AACC
meeting regarding the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's re-evaluation of EBDC
as it relates to fruit and vegetables.
Clarington Planning to share details of the agricultural sector evaluation completed as
part of the Clarington Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update
(completed in September 2018).
John is working on invitation to the Premier.
Faye has been in contact with Tracey Weightman, DRPS about a tour/meeting at the
detachment in Maple Grove.
Clarington Planning to review the first draft zoning by-law regulations relating to
Environmental Protection and associated buffers and related permissions for
agriculture.
March meeting — Nancy Rutherford and Lisa Mackenzie will be back with the Durham
Agriculture Strategy (next 5 year installment).
John Cartwright moved to Adjourn.
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 14, 2019 @ 7:30 pm
Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington January 10, 2019