Executive Director's Report

As the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association moves into its fifth month of existence, there are a number of tangibles that have been the result of a volunteer board of directors wanting to see changes that work for the best of their membership. It is nothing short of remarkable – but, the impact upon the political discussions taking place at all levels about what this regional organization is doing must surely come as some satisfaction for those involved and, for the most part, its membership.
 
As the staff person for this organization, I am proud to have my name associated with this intrepid band of farmers is wanting to do transforming the agricultural industry in this area in a way never imagined even a decade ago. Few, if any, could see at the start what has, in a short time, been accomplished – and with relatively few incurred costs. From the start-up funds from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation to a full-scale branding logo and consumer communication plan – and still dealing with myriad issues from peaker plants to flooding, conservation authorities, new legislation, and a list that continues to grow daily. As a part of the association, I am happy to do my small part in making this organization a stand-alone reality.
 
But that reality is reflective in a new attitude in this area – considered, by many, to be the heart of agriculture in Ontario. This area has the unique distinction of not existing on any provincial map – yet it is known to a wide number of our fellow citizens. It made it easier to brand the Holland Marsh because of that knowledge. You, as farmers, are highly thought of – recent surveys putting the profession third, behind firefighters and nurses, and ahead of doctors, police officers, and politicians, who ranked at the bottom just behind used car salespeople.
 
This is a serious time to be involved in agriculture – and it requires equally serious participation and players who know what the game is and how it is played. That the board could so quickly come up to speed with many of the issues is a testament to how truly dedicated this group of individuals is. They are willing to work with others, find alternative solutions to issues, deal head-on with situations they know are difficult to overcome, and yet, through it all, they have also demonstrated great humour, an ability to laugh at themselves when necessary, to compromise and find middle ground, and, more importantly, understand that they represent the entire Holland Marsh industry. That is the most difficult thing to learn when one moves from individuality to an organizational perspective – learning that sometimes the needs of the many truly outweight the needs of the few, or the one. Very cliché but very true as well.
 
There was nothing to be gained except a better place for all of the association’s members – and that includes farmers of all varieties, crops, and the entire Holland Marsh agricultural community from packer/grower/shippers through to co-ops and input dealers. This is an organization that is trying to live by its Vision Statement: to be champions of economical, environmental, and entrepreneurial sustainability. This organization wants its members to make money, in a profitable sense. Profit and farming should go hand in hand and we sometimes shy away from saying that. But, farmers should make money – and should continue to be price-takers in an era when consumers are demanding more local food; better access to our products in-season; and the assurance that the food they eat will not make them sick or worse. We, as an association, recognize the need for farmers to make money and that is why it is first and foremost in our vision. If the farmers can’t make money – then what is the purpose of the association and its efforts? This will not take place overnight – but through a concerted effort, it will happen. It is called “being in your face” tactics – reminding those that we work with that there is a group of farmers wanting to make a difference.
 
And since we won’t forget about consumers, we talk about environment – because that is important to them. In the upcoming months, we will be talking with groups throughout Ontario about local production and buying local. We will be discussing chemical issues at Ottawa during the Pest Management Regulatory Agency- Stakeholder meetings and at the Canadian Horticulture Council – the national organization for fruit and vegetable farmers. With a minority government in place in Canada and a new administration in Washington, we have a very narrow window of opportunity to push for chemical harmonization between our two countries on the one issue that has been left sitting since 1988’s NAFTA agreement. This would prove hugely beneficial to our members – bringing new chemistry to our area and adding more tools to a depreciating toolbox. This, coupled with a number of research projects that the association is already engaged in, will mean better practices for our area and show all concerned that farmers are, indeed, stewards of the land.
 
Lastly, we could never forget that farmers are independent businesses, and we must always be respectful of that. We, as an association, do not want to remove that distinction – in fact, we want to enhance it. On the website we have developed for consumers, we have a spot for our members to be listed, with an opportunity for all to get your name, a farmer that today’s consumer can make that connection with, out to the general public. Pictures, contact information (if so desired), crops grown, whatever it takes to put the farmer before today’s consumer – that is what we are attempting to do. We want every farmer in the Holland Marsh area known for what they do – providing safe, healthy, nutritious, fresh, and tasty products to an ever-increasingly cynical consumer tired of food scares from other countries.
 
Many have asked me why I am with the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association. In fact, that was one of the first questions put forward to me by both my chair and the board. The answer is easy – this has always been one of my favourite parts of the country, with great people to work with, and the greatest opportunity in Canada and perhaps North America. We have huge challenges ahead of us – but even greater opportunities. People in the agricultural sector and within government are looking at what we are doing and watching very closely. No other organization has attempted to do what we, as an organization, are doing – and succeeding.
 
I wish to congratulate this organization, its board of directors, and all its members for being one of the more innovative, creative agricultural groups in the province. It looks good on all of you for participating and believing that the best is yet to come.
 
Jamie Reaume, Executive Director
Holland Marsh Growers' Association
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