Modhaicdh Farms of Marie, operated by Rodney, Blois and Scott Dingwell, was presented with the Honourable Gilbert R. Clements Award for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture during a ceremony at the Coles Building in Charlottetown this morning. The award was presented by Premier Pat Binns.
The award is presented annually to recognize an operation that is economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible in the production and/or marketing of high quality food from sustainable production systems. It is named in recognition of Mr. Clement's longstanding commitment to the environment.
"I want to congratulate Modhaicdh Farms for its outstanding commitment to sustainable agriculture," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy. "It exemplifies what many producers are doing across this province to protect the quality of our soil, air and water resources in the production of safe, high-quality products."
Modhaicdh Farms follows sustainable production practices in its diverse operation. The Dingwells have recognized specific areas on their farm as sensitive and have designated areas such as hedgerows, old growth forests, salt marshes, wetland areas and buffer zones along watercourses. They were among the first to complete an Environmental Farm Plan. They practice a three sometimes four year crop rotation, have carried out a range of soil conservation practices, and are implementing a nutrient management plan. Modhaicdh Farms was nominated by the Federation of Agriculture.
Other nominees for this year's award were Scott Drake, Millview; Ian and Allan McIsaac, Mermaid; Elmer MacDonald, Augustine Cove; and Garth Toombs, Bedeque. Each was presented with a citation by Premier Binns.
The winner was selected by the Soil and Crop Improvement Association.