Farmers and key stakeholders in the agribusiness sector of Norfolk County are encouraged to apply for five open positions on the Norfolk County Agriculture Advisory Board (AAB).
The AAB is a Committee of Norfolk County Council, which advises Council of matters pertaining to Agricultural issues in Norfolk County. Meetings are held four times per year or on an as needed basis. A detailed Terms of Reference is available on the Norfolk County AAB web page at http://www.norfolkcounty.ca/business/agriculture/advisory-board/.
To apply for a four-year term on AAB (January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020), complete the form at the link below and submit it to the Norfolk County Clerk, as outlined on the form.
Deadline October 31, 2016.
Some highlights of the past two years’ work of the AAB include:
- Input on the Burn By-law, adding provisions for prescribed burns
- Providing input to the Official Plan Review, specifically; Surplus Dwelling Severences, on farm permitted uses, lot relocations
- Coordinating annual tours of agricultural properties across Norfolk County to raise awareness about modern agriculture among Councillors and municipal staff
Composition of the Committee will be as follows: “The AAB will be comprised of no more than 11 volunteer voting members, all of whom will either be individuals who reside, work or own property in Norfolk County, hold a valid Farm Business Registration number (except agri-business supplier), and who have direct experience and connections to County-wide stakeholders. The voting members will serve at-large and represent successful growers in key commodities. At least one of the appointees will be 30 years of age or under.
Council may appoint:
Two (2) vegetable growers (e.g. asparagus, cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, sweet corn)
- Two (2) fruit growers (e.g. apples, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, pears, blueberries, peaches)
- Two (2) specialty crop growers (e.g. ginseng, tobacco, nursery, greenhouse, maple, nuts)
- One (1) grain grower (e.g. soybeans, rye, corn, wheat, alfalfa, oil seeds)
- One (1) value-added processor (e.g. cheese, cider, preserves, oil, ice cream, meat)
- One (1) livestock farmer (e.g. pork, poultry, beef, dairy, lamb, horses, bees)
- One (1) agri-business supplier (e.g. equipment, bank, insurance, etc.)
- One (1) agri-tourism business owner/operator (e.g. B&B, tours, market)”
If you have any questions about the AAB please feel free to call myself, the current Chair, Brett Schuyler at 519-427-9696, or call the Staff Liaison, Clark Hoskin, at 519-426-5870 ext 1238.
