Fredericton, January 24th, 2017 – At the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick (AANB), held on January 19th and 20th, 2017, delegates and guests gathered in great numbers to review the AANB’s 2016 accomplishments, identify future challenges facing New Brunswick agriculture and to hear what lies ahead in 2017 for the AANB.
“2016 has been very successful for the AANB; we strived to safeguard our industry on multiple fronts and acted proactively on key policies and programs and promoted the agricultural industry. Certainly the key highlight was the announcement of the New Brunswick Agriculture Land Policy by Hon. Rick Doucet, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. We are very grateful that the provincial government recognizes the contribution of our sector to the economy, its growth potential and the importance of protecting agricultural land for this moment being and for generations to come” said Mike Bouma, AANB President.
President Bouma noted, in particular, that during the meeting, Hon. Rick Doucet, re-enforced its commitment to work in collaboration with industry toward the implementation of the 2016-2018 Agriculture Industry Action Plan and the of the Provincial Local Food and Beverage Strategy.
Amy Matheson and Aaron Law provided the delegates and other guests key examples on how to engage consumers in everyday conversations and on social media.
Faith Matchett, Farm Credit Canada, inspired delegates and guests to “talk agriculture” and to increase the opportunities to showcase our sectors and invited producers to the upcoming FCC Forum that will take place on March 11th in Moncton. Janet Steele, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provided an update on the next policy framework and the Department.
An update from several of our industry partners was received throughout the meeting on the following topics: Social Media Toolkit for Producers, National Environment Farm Plan Initiative, NB labour market forecast to 2025, and the impacts of climate change and carbon taxation on the agriculture industry.
– Delegates also discussed and approved a number of resolutions that will give direction to the Board on issues and challenges the AANB should address in the year ahead. Foremost among these were: Addressing the bear population challenges in the province;
– Bringing the farm plate registration fees in line with our neighboring provinces;
– Enhancing the existing Rural Road Enhancement Pilot Project;
– Providing recommendations to improve the AgriStability and AgriInvest Programs;
– The development of a short course for high school and community colleges to better prepare the work force for agriculture related employment;
– Supporting the Energy East Pipeline while ensuring that producers and landowners are treated fairly and equitably and not held liable for any situation arising from the pipeline;
– Ensuring that producers are properly and fairly compensated for their stewardship toward the environment;
– Changing the hunting regulations to require a written consent from producer/landowner to enter farmland;
– Protecting all primary producers from the negative effects of the carbon tax, and;
– Enhancing the approval system of the Agriculture Land Enhancement Program
In addition, a motion to request that the Alliance look into addressing the issues relating to farmland investment funds was passed.
A number of producers and individuals were recognized for their contribution to New Brunswick Agriculture.
– Kevin McCully was presented with the James Robb Agrologist Award in recognition of his untiring commitment towards agricultural producers. The prize was presented by Andrew Lovell, director of the Alliance;
– Ryan Taylor and Robyn McCallum were presented with the New Entrant Award, presented by David Brennan of Farm Credit Canada;
– Samuel Bourgeois was presented with the Innovation Award, presented by Jay Labonte of Farm Credit Canada;
– Nicole Williams was presented with the Ambassador Award for her long term support and commitment to the Alliance and the agricultural industry. The prize was presented by Mike Bouma, president of the Alliance.
Mike Bouma was elected as President of the Alliance for a third consecutive year. Also on the Alliance Executive:
– Christian Michaud, First Vice-President
– Lisa Ashworth, Second Vice-President
– Marc Ouellet, Secretary; and
– Mike Slocum, Treasurer.
The complete list of Directors is enclosed.
For more Information, contact:
Mike Bouma, President, Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick at: (506) 452-8101
Josée Albert, CEO, Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick at: (506) 452-8101
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