Prince Edward Island Agriculture Minister George Webster has been recognized by United States state legislators, Canadian provincial agriculture ministers and other elected officials during the recent annual meeting of the Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit in Orlando, Florida. He was presented with the 2010 Senator Jake Flake Memorial Award in recognition of his commitment to and advocacy for agriculture and rural communities. The award was named in honour of the late Senator Jake Flake of Arizona, a lifelong rancher and tireless promoter of agriculture throughout his political career.
”The award underlines the importance of ensuring that the needs and interests of the agriculture industry are defended and promoted within government and throughout the rest of society,” said Mr. Webster. “It is wonderful to be recognized by one’s peers, and I feel deeply humbled by receiving the award.”
The Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit brings together U.S. and Canadian legislators involved in agriculture and rural issues. This year, 275 legislators representing 48 states and five Canadian provinces attended the meeting. The summit is aimed at fostering an exchange of ideas and cooperation and coordination among legislators at the state, provincial and national levels.
“One of the main themes that emerged during this year’s summit was the fact that producers in both the U.S. and Canada are dealing with many common problems and concerns,” said Mr. Webster. “Getting together with others involved in the same issues we are dealing with helps to broaden our understanding of new approaches that can be taken to resolve them.”