First I would like mention that this past year, LFA hired a new secretary, Christina Hyatt. On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome and thank Christina for her work and support on issues addressed by LFA. I would also like to thank our retiring secretary Melissa Forbes for her time she served LFA Board and Members.
This past year we have been involved when a number of issues, but more important, opportunities. In April we were part of a delegation organized by Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce to Queen’s Park in Toronto to promote Sarnia-Lambton. We meant with a number of Ministers, MPP from all parties, and staff. It was an excellent 2 days and I felt a benefit to the agri-food industry in Sarnia-Lambton.
As a result of this trip to Toronto, the Deputy Minister of OMAFRA visited Sarnia-Lambton in August and was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber again asked LFA to be involved and we took the opportunity to show the Deputy a few farms in Lambton and also why we in Lambton County are so proud of our industry.
LFA this year hosted a tour of some local farms for our County Councilors and staff to give them an idea of the agri-food industry in the County. A large number of our County Councilors do not have an Ag background, although they do understand and know the value of our industry. Again LFA felt this was a very worthwhile day and plan to continue this type of event in the future.
Some other County issues we are dealing with are the County Tree bylaw which is currently under review, the Clean Harbours ongoing “discussion”, and other numerous issues.
I would like to thank LFA Board members and our Secretaries for the work and support over the past year. I would like say thank you to retiring directors for their work on behalf of LFA members over the time on the Board; I would also like to say, welcome to new Board members.
~Ron MacDougall~