Two unnamed local farmers have been nominated for the inaugural Sustainable Farmer of the Year Award, Wellington North Council was told Monday evening.
Pat Brown, who farms on the 4th Concession of Arthur Township, is a member of the Waterloo/Wellington National Farmers Union. He attended the meeting along with Local 340 President Rob Weber of RR 1, Palmerston to tell council about the event and ask for support.
The new award will be presented at the group’s annual meeting on Friday, March 26 at the Elora Legion.
Dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients will be prepared by the Food School, an innovative new program at the Fergus high school “which enables students to work with a talented chef (Chris Jess) on various catering projects,” Brown said. “The Food School is renowned for their support of local farmers and their crafting of delicious food.”
Also at the meeting, in addition to dinner and the presentation of the Sustainable Farmer of the Year Award, the Campaign for New Farmers will be launched, the Waterloo/Wellington National Farmers Union year will be reviewed and the 2010 executive will be elected. There will also be entertainment by Neil McGavin, a comedian from Brussels.
Brown asked council members to consider attending the dinner meeting, and also proposed the township purchase a block of 10 $15-tickets and perhaps provide some local young farmers with an enjoyable evening out.
“I don’t think that would break the bank,” Councillor Ross Chaulk said.
A motion was passed to buy the 10 tickets.
“I know I’ll be going (to the March 26 dinner and annual meeting),” Mayor Mike Broomhead said.