HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-14 Minutes CLARINGTON AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tom Barrie Ted Watson
Donald Rickard Gary Jeffery
Brenda Metcalf Eric Bowman
Mark Bragg Mary Ann Found
Marlene Werry — Durham Region Ross McMaster
Jennifer Knox
REGRETS:
Faye Langmaid
Henk Mulders
ABSENT: Orwin Bandstra
STAFF:
Dean Jacobs Kathryn Kram
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
10-23 Moved by Eric Bowman, seconded by Donald Rickard
"That the Agenda for October 14, 2010 be adopted."
"CARRIED"
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There was no approval of the August 26, 2010 minutes as no one received the minutes.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
The committee was advised that a thank you letter was sent to Bev Oda for her
update that highlighted the accomplishments for Government in Agriculture.
The Committee was informed that the display at the Orono Fair had been set up
by Mitch Morawetz.
CORRESPONDENCE
Dean explained the nomination process for OMAFRA's Premiers Award for Food
Innovation. A guidebook on the application process was passed around and brochures
distributed. The deadline for nominations is November 15, 2010. This is the award
Algoma received last year. Nominations are to be sent to Marlene Werry or Faye
Langmaid.
Sher Letooze, Allotment Gardens: In the absence of more information on this item,
Gary suggested this be tabled until more information becomes available.
REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES
DAAC
Eric Bowman gave a report on the DAAC Farm Tour that was held on September 13,
2010. Numbers were great this year, feedback was very positive, the lunch was well
done and it seems the message on the importance of the agricultural sector got
through. Attendees were impressed with the presentations, especially with Ted's
spraying demonstration on crops in close proximity to homes within plans of
subdivision.
Ted added that the Chairman from the Peel Region is taking the buffer issue to their
Planning Department to further investigate.
Ted gave a brief overview of a presentation on energy conservation from NeoGen
Energy Solutions Inc. that was given to the DAAC on October 5. NeoGen discussed
some of their energy assessment examples, including major savings on a veal farm,
where they cut cost by 2/3 ($4.38 to $1.32 per calf). Ted recommended a presentation
to AACC next year.
DAAC received a copy of the Region of Durham's submission to the Provincial Policy
Statement (PPS) Review and is disappointed that agriculture has been left out. Marilyn
Pearce made a motion to the Regional Council to add a further resolution asking the
Minister to examine policies regarding mitigation measures at the interface between
urban settlements and farms (mitigation of noise, dust, spray by site design, berms,
buffers, etc.). The motion was carried by the Regional Council.
Durham Federation of Agriculture
Mary Ann Found gave a report from the DFA:
Annual Meeting: Speakers were Steve and Lisa Cooper, award recipients. After
experiencing financial troubles they made some changes with the goal that they would
be self-sustaining in 3 years. Innovation and changes included a CSA, corn maze etc.
Two new people are on the DFA Board from Clarington area (one is Mitch Morawetz).
The next meeting will be in November 2010, at which time the executive will be elected.
High school Farm Connections program held on September 30, 2010: This was a huge
success; 350 students participated and visited 10 different stations. Nicole Swain and
the farmers made it happen (Eric, Brenda, and Marlene were commended for their
presentations and participation). Lots of good feedback came out of the event. At the
start of the event the Principal could not understand why an urban school in Whitby was
AACC October 14, 2010
chosen, but by the end of the day he realized the value to the students. DFA is looking
for a host school for next year, hopefully in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School
Board Area.
DFA need to think about making the educational tools more interactive (digital, social
media etc.).
The Trillium Media Launch: Was held at Gates Open at the Found farm on October 3, to
accept the official plaque and donation (grant).
Mary Ann took the issue about not receiving OFA communications to the OFA.
Everyone is on the mailing list, but most information goes out by e-mail. Committee
members were informed that if they would like to receive e-mail updates, they must give
Karen at OFA their current email address.
The Provincial Bill about predators and compensation: The date for written submissions
is now past. There are certain concerns with the Bill, for example if you have more than
two losses you are required to take a course on how to better protect your livestock
from predators. If a farmer have crop losses due to predators, it is also required that
pictures be taken and sent to MNR.
Clarington Board of Trade
Members were invited to attend the DAAC Farm Tour. Those that' attended were
impressed with the tour and were fascinated to learn about some of the challenges
farmers are facing, especially the buffer issue at the interface of farmland and urban
land uses.
CBOT hosted a mayoral debate at Bobby C's - all four candidates were present. They
all think that agri-tourism is the big issue facing Clarington's agricultural community.
OTHER BUSINESS
Gary reported that Steve Carruthers has brought some concerns regarding traffic/road
narrowing to his attention. Recent road works on Concession 6 and 7 immediately east
and west of Regional Road 57included steel barriers/guard rails right to the edge of the
pavement that are too narrow for travelling farm vehicles. For example a combine
cannot pull over to let traffic pass which creates traffic and safety issues. These
comments have been sent onto Engineering.
In the New Year the Committee should consider inviting Engineering Services and
Operations staff to a meeting to discuss this matter, it is really the designers that have
to get the message..
Ted noted concerns about the Municipality's function to spray noxious weeds or cut
back to fences along the boulevards in a timely fashion. As a result noxious weeds
have become a problem.
AACC October 14, 2010
Gary updated the Committee that there is still no reply from OMAFRA regarding the
farmer vs corporations issue. He indicated that he would follow up with John O'Toole.
FUTURE AGENDA
An OMAFRA speaker is to be invited to talk about the definition of a "farmer". Gary
informed the Committee that OMAFRA has three possible speakers they could send,
but the earliest someone could come would be January 2011.
The Committee decided that there will be no meeting in November due to the election of
the new Council.
Dean thanked the members of the Committee, on behalf of Faye Langmaid and Staff for
their participation and contributions during the past 4-years.
10-24 Moved by Donald Rickard, seconded by Tom Barrie
"The Committee would like to express its appreciation to Faye Langmaid for all of
her hard work and support."
"CARRIED"
Moved to Adjourn: Eric Bowman
AACC October 14, 2010