Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) members in southwestern and eastern Ontario are sending two new directors to the organization’s provincial board.
Members in Zone 1, representing Essex and Kent counties, have elected Scott McGeachy of Chatham as their new representative. McGeachy farms with his family south of Chatham, producing wheat, soybeans, commercial corn, seed corn and machine-harvested cucumbers. He is a past president of the Kent Federation of Agriculture and has a long history of industry involvement. McGeachy ran against third generation farmer Laura Mastronardi of Kingsville for the position, which had previously been held by Louis Roesch.
In Zone 11, which includes Dundas, Frontenac, Grenville and Leeds counties, members elected Julian Whittaker of Prescott in a tight race against incumbent Clint Cameron of Cardinal, who first joined the OFA board three years ago. Whittaker is a sixth-generation farmer and vice-president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture. He is also a member of OFA’s Policy Advisory Council.
“We look forward to welcoming Scott and Julian to the OFA board as our newest provincial directors,” says OFA President Drew Spoelstra. “Thank you to Laura for letting her name stand as a candidate, and to Clint for representing members in his zone for the last three years.”
“We also thank Louis Roesch for his years of service to the OFA as director for Zone 1,” adds Spoelstra. “Louis’ passion for better infrastructure, improved drainage and reducing red tape have helped inform years of OFA policy and advocacy. Elections are a healthy part of the democratic process and we appreciate everyone who participated whether that was attending an all-candidates meeting, engaging with candidates or simply making sure their vote was submitted.”
OFA’s board of directors provides leadership and direction for the organization and represents the interests of Ontario farmers and farm businesses. The board includes 15 Zone Directors elected by members across the province and three Directors-at-Large elected by delegates at OFA’s Annual General Meeting in November.
Nominations for the position of Director-at-Large will open October 15.
Source : OFA