Tuesday November 16: Alternative Energy and the Family Farm

Press release from the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture November 5 2010
On November 16, 2010 , there will be a Symposium at the Simcoe County Museum entitled “Alternate Energy and The Family Farm”
The purpose of this evening function is to celebrate the vibrancy of our agricultural sector and to highlight the many positive  aspects of this industry and way of life.

There will be a panel of speakers assigned to emphasize various aspects of agriculture and to bring into focus the importance of farmland preservation, while at the same time offering the proponents of alternative energy(solar) an opportunity to present their opinions and philosophies.
There has been much made of the Green Energy Act that has been presented by the Provincial Government as a way of helping develop Ontario’s electrical generating capabilities, but a surprising inadequate amount of public discussion. This is the reason for this presentation sponsored by the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture and prepared by the SCFA and Ontario Farmland Preservation.
Following the presentation by the speakers, there will be a panel discussion and a question and answer period.
For seats, please contact Connie Brown at 726-9300 Ext 1224 scfa@drlogick.com
or Bernard Pope at 623-1043 bernard@ontariofarmlandpreservation.org
Presenters –
          Topic(s)
 – D  McCabe  – Ontario Federation of Agriculture – Vibrant nature of Agriculture in Ontario
        – Connection to government (advocacy)
        – solar spaces in cities, etc

 – R Millar  – Municipal Politician          – community service/voice
    – Various careers (law, EMS, etc – agricultural land use
        – political influences

 – S/K Jones  – Dairy farmer           – entrepreneurial challenges
    – Entrepeneur    – farm viability and future

 – M Lancaster  – Teacher    – motivation
    – Politician    – new ideas and methodology
    – Entrepreneur (energy)  – microFit opportunities

 – S Collins  – Alliance Agri-Turf   – dynamics of agriculture
        – economy of agricultural diversity
        – microFit from a larger perspective

 – A Nahuis – Farmer    – family farm success
   – Community voice   – community conscience/involvement

 – M Lensink – bio gas    – bio gas Fit program
        – personal philosophy on energy
        – co-operation with the community and 
          agriculture

The Moderator will be Martin Vanderwoude from KICX 106 and the DOC 104.