The Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce its 2019 inductees.
Inductees were selected based on demonstrated achievements, results, benefits, and innovations accrued to agriculture and rural development on a local and/or broader basis as a result of the nominee’s volunteer and paid activities. The committee also considered whether a lasting legacy had been identified.
The selection committee, comprised of Rob Adlam, Sharon Petheram, Melissa Collver, James Christison, and Catherine Caughell have chosen three very deserving recipients. They are:
Mr. Ken Porteous, Mr. David Reid, and the Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association.
Ken Porteous was nominated by the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture. Porteous has been actively involved in local and provincial agriculture since the early 1970’s having started his career on Lingwood Farms outside of Simcoe – a family partnership now involving his son, son-in-law and grandson. Porteous first started as an elite dairy breeder who sold bulls around the world. In 1973, the herd was put up for sale, bringing the highest average price per animal ever paid in Canada. This was a testament to the high standard and quality of Ken’s work. Lingwood Farms Ltd. now largely involves orchard acreage with 865 acres of crops. Porteous has been president of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and vice chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers Marketing Board. In these positions, Ken consistently advocated for farmers and the important development and economic role they play throughout the province. As president of the Canadian Horticulture Council (CHC) the CanadaGAP program was implemented and is internationally recognized and used as a model in other countries today. Porteous also helped develop the Self-Directed Risk Management Program to aid farmers during periods of hardship. The program continues to be an important and much valued component of the CHC.
David Reid was nominated by ALUS Norfolk. Reid earned his Fish and Wildlife Biology Degree from the University of Guelph, applying his education to a 36-year career with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources as a biologist and stewardship coordinator. Throughout, Reid advocated for the natural environment and connected with farmers, advising them on soil conservation, good forestry practices, windbreaks and many other aspects related to stewardship. He became an integral part of the Land Stewardship Program in Norfolk and, as part of its council, was involved with such projects as the Water Supply Enhancement initiative. His involvement with Alternative Land Use Service (ALUS) Canada and ALUS Norfolk has been exemplary. He co-authored Alternative Land Use Services – A Farmer’s Conservation, outlining the basic principles of the ALUS program that is still in daily use. Thanks in large part to his efforts, the ALUS model is available to farmers across the country. This provides extensive environmental benefits such as the restoration projects on marginal farmland which improves soil quality, water and air quality as well as increase wildlife habitat.
The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association was nominated by the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture. The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association (NFGA) was established by Mr. James E. Johnson in Simcoe on March 26, 1906. Together with 17 charter members, Johnson set out to organize Norfolk County’s numerous small-acreage farmers into a solid and knowledgeable force that could realize the benefits of pooling their product and employing a competent manager to market it. The Association’s success was reflected almost immediately in two ways: apple acreage increased and apple quality improved. Today, through the NFGA’s state of the art facility, they are able to grow, store, pack and market apples for not only the grower members but others within the industry. The NFGA continuously aims to improve and maintain the quality and quantity of fruit as well as ensuring a uniform system of packing, storing and marketing. They are committed to providing consumers with high quality apples twelve months a year, regardless of where they live in North America. The industry has undergone many revolutionary changes in how producers grow, treat, handle and market apples. One thing, however, remains constant – the Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association’s dedication to providing top-quality Ontario apples to fellow Canadians and to the rest of the world. Over 110 years of expertise, respect for consumer concerns, and a never-ending diligence to improve its products are a testament to the NFGA’s success.
We look forward to celebrating the contributions and achievements of these Norfolk County agricultural champions on Sunday, April 7th at 2 p.m. when they will be inducted into the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum. All are welcome to attend!
