HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-26 Minutes CLARINGTON AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tom Barrie Ted Watson
Donald Rickard Gary Jeffery
Brenda Metcalf Eric Bowman
Mark Bragg Mary Ann Found
REGRETS:
Henk Mulders Marlene Werry— Durham Region
Ross McMaster Councillor Gord Robinson
Faye Langmaid
ABSENT:
Jennifer Knox Orwin Bandstra
STAFF:
D6an Jacobs Kathryn Kram
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
10-20 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Tom Barrie
"That the Agenda for August 26, 2010 be adopted."
"CARRIED"
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
10-21 Moved by Brenda Metcalf, seconded by Eric Bowman
"That the minutes of the June 10, 2010 meeting be approved."
"CARRIED"
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Gary informed the Committee that the buffer resolution (10-19) was approved by
Council and sent to MMAH and referred to Planning Staff to examine as part of
the Official Plan Review.
The committee was given an update about the recent windfarm (ZEP) public
meetings. There was enormous public interest and overcrowding at the
meetings.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Bev Oda, highlighting accomplishments for Government in
Agriculture.
10-22 Moved by Donand Rickard, seconded by Ted Watson
"That a thank you letter be forwarded to the Honourable Bev Oda as a
gesture of appreciation for the update."
"CARRIED"
Dean explained the Aird & Berlis letter regarding Highmark Homes, Conlin/Anderson
Intersection (Whitby) appeal to the OMB of ROPA 128 to the committee.
Dean distributed a Notice of Study Commencement dated August 11, 2010 of a
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, undertaken by the Bowmanville
Landowners Group Inc. and the Region of Durham to-address the current shortage of
wastewater treatment plant reserve capacity for Bowmanville. The project study area is
along Baseline Road and stretches from Courtice Road to 200 meters east of Liberty
Street.
FCM report — wakeup call was referred to the Committee. There was a short
discussion; some members liked the idea of appointing a "rural champion" in Cabinet,
and it was clarified that the "decline" the report refers to is in terms of rural communities
in general, not agriculture specifically.
On the issue of conflicting interpretations of the definition of farmers and corporations,
Gary brought up that the Committee still has not received a reply to the letter sent to
John O'Toole in March. Problem: OMAFRA says they cannot change the definition of
agriculture; a corporation cannot have a pesticide licence. The committee would like to
put something together (e.g. letter) and send it through John O'Toole to the new
Minister. Gary will talk to John O'Toole about this before the next meeting.
REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES
DAAC
There is still room on the tour September 17
Durham Federation of Agriculture
Mary Ann Found gave a report from the DFA:
DFA continues to look into incorporation to access more funding. Spearheaded by the
O FA.
The "Why Farming Matters" trailer has been leased for another year. DFA answered the
challenge from L&A Federation to donate $1.00 per member for reprinting of Real Dirt
($500).
AACC August 26, 2010
DRFA will partner with Durham Region Economic Development Group for a funding
application to the rural economic development program for an agri-business and food
processing business retention and expansion project.
A letter was sent to OFA requesting them to lobby OPA to grant original pricing on
applications for ground mount solar projects submitted prior to July 2nd
A meeting was hosted with Bette Jean Crews August 17 regarding the business risk
management update. She has a positive outlook and thinks the commodities involved
are now coming as one voice.
The DRFA annual meeting is September 28 in Utica. Speakers are Steve and Lisa
Cooper. DRFA needs delegates to the annual meeting and board members. Contact
Karen Yellowless if interested.
Banner has a new look: 3 F's of farming (Food, Fibre, Fuel). Coined the phrase:"If you
used food, fuel or fibre today thank a farmer, if you plan to use food, fuel or fibre
tomorrow, support your local farmers". Mary Ann also mentioned the need for a
national food strategy.
High school Farm Connection Program September 30, 2010 at Donald A Wilson
Secondary School, Whitby. Grades 9-11 to get 6 minute presentations on 10 topics:
technology, CFIA, land and environment (CLOCA), organic farming, pesticides, EEP,
overview of agriculture in Durham, alternative energy, enzymes in food, biotechnology.
Trillium media launch is tentatively scheduled during Gates Open on October 3, 2010.
Clarington Board of Trade
Donald reported that a meeting was held two weeks ago and there is not much to
update the committee on. He would let CBOT know about the DAAC tour on
September 17th, 2010 and that there are a few spots left if anyone is interested in
attending.
OTHER BUSINESS
Orono Fair Booth
Dean mentioned that Mitch has offered to set up the Committee booth at the fair. The
committee is in agreement and Mitch will set up the booth.
FUTURE AGENDA
An OMAFRA speaker be invited to give a talk regarding the definition of "farmer".
Moved to Adjourn: Eric Bowman
Next Meeting: October 14, 2010 7:30 p.m.
AACC August 26, 2010