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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-14Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, March 14, 2019 Members Present: Eric Bowman Ted Watson Brenda Metcalf John Cartwright Les Caswell Henry Zekveld Councillor Zwart Regrets: Don Rickard, Richard Rekker, Tom Barrie, Ben Eastman, Jennifer Knox Guests: Nancy Rutherford, Bronwynne Wilton on Durham Agriculture Strategy, Councillor Joe Neal Staff: Amy Burke, Faye Langmaid, Planning Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 019-07 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Les Caswell "That the Agenda for March 141h, 2019 be adopted" Carried Approval of Minutes 019-08 Moved by John Cartwright, seconded by Ted Watson "That the minutes of the February 14th, 2019 meeting be approved" Carried Presentation: Nancy provided an introduction of Bronwynne Wilton who is facilitating the review of the Durham Agricultural Strategy. The project involves a review of the current 2013 — 2018 Strategy, and the identification of new targets and new initiatives for the next 5 years. There has already been some preliminary consultation and will be more. There are 3 sessions on March 21 where input is welcomed. Information on the Strategy updates is available on the Region of Durham — Agriculture webpage. Bronwynne asked a number of questions of the group on the vision and objectives outlined in the 2013-2018 Strategy and how they could be updated and improved. Members worked in pairs through the workbook she had prepared as a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). As part of the wrap up everyone Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington March 14, 2019 reported out. There was a general discussion on where certain initiatives and partnerships need to be pursued with more vigour by the Region. Business Arising Robert and Petra Schwirtz appeared as a delegation at the last meeting regarding the issues all agriculture producers face when activists target them. x Protect yourselves by installing good security and cameras x Educate yourself about the extremist groups and threats x Adopt an employee contractor for your workers x Follow and use your commodity groups Code of Practice x Make comments to your local MPPs and OMAFRA about moving farm animal inspections from OSPCA to OMAFRA x Lobby the provincial government to review the Animal Care Act With regard to the local municipality they want the politicians to be aware of the issues, understand the economic impacts not just to the farms but adjacent businesses It is recommended that the Schwirtz's work with DRFA to assemble a joint industry group (fur, dairy, chicken, pork, cattlemen's, etc) and meet with local MPPs to share their concerns. The AACC and its members would be willing to provide support for such a collaborative. Zone Clarington Staff will be here at the next meeting to update the group and discuss the specifics of the environmental aspects of the First Draft Zoning By-law as it relates to agriculture and the Minimum Distance Separation workbook previously distributed. Annual Accomplishments Brenda provided an overview to Committee at the P + D meeting on Monday March 11. The question asked of her is the committee's wishlist. This will be brought back to the future meeting for further discussion. Volunteer Appreciation Nominations: Eric, John, Les, Tom and Jennifer should all have received invites to the April 16th recognition by Clarington of its volunteers. Council and Committee Reports Burn Permits: Faye provided an update on the meeting the local Fire Chiefs had as there is an attempt to harmonize burn permits across the Region. The desire is to ensure normal farm practices are not hindered while recognizing and balancing with the need for safety. Emily 911 Project: Chief Weir, Clarington GIS staff, and DRFA Chair had a meeting to explore the process for implementing a consistent program of addressing across Durham Region. Results of the analysis will be shared with Durham Region. Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee: The DAAC Tour will be September 12th Durham Region Federation of Agriculture: 1. The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act comes into effect April 1St. There is an exemption certificate which farmers can complete and provide to their fuel suppliers and therefore be exempt from a fuel charge being applied. Here's a link to the CRA Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington March 14, 2019 website for the form and background info. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue- agency/services/forms-publications/forms/1401.html 2. Durham Farm Connections Grade 3 education program — April 2 — 4 at Brooklin Luther Vipond Arena and the public Open house on Wed. April 3rd. 4:30 — 8:00 p.m. 3. DFC Volunteer Appreciation Night —April 10th at Nestleton Hall, 7:30 p.m. Annual opportunity for volunteers for all DFC events to attend — food and fellowship with speaker Peter Kenyon. 4 Teeny Tiny Summit — April 11th. at Orono Arena. Big ideas for small places - economic development the works for small places — flyer was circulated. Clarington Board of Trade: CBOT breakfast with Lindsey Park, MPP, assisting with Teeny Tiny Summit. New Business Clarington's Strategic Plan — Faye will send out information and links for committee members. Trees for Rural Roads — Applications are due by the end of March is you would like to plant trees adjacent to the roadways bordering your properties. John is working on invitation to politicians Kristy Kilbourne will attend at the May meeting about EnVision Durham and specifically the recent release of the Agricultural and Rural Discussion Paper. Matt Currelly was recommended as a potential speaker. Aaron Bowman — presentation in July John Cartwright moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting: Thursday, April11, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - - Clarington Planning to review the first draft zoning by-law regulations relating to Environmental Protection and associated buffers and related permissions for agriculture. Workbook on MDS. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington March 14, 2019