Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill today announced that the provincial Cabinet has given formal approval to regulations for the establishment of the new Farm Practices Review Board. The new Board will be developing codes of practice for the agriculture industry and mediating disputes between farmers and their neighbours.
The Board is made up of both farmers and members of the public, under the Chair of Ralph Yeo, Summerside. The new board members are Lorne Ramsay, Hamilton, who is also Vice-Chair; Stephen Knechtel, Lewes; Brenda Penak, Summerside; Charles Murphy, China Point; Chris Reaman, Port Hill; Lowell Vessey, York; Aike Wilting; Meadowbank; and Morley Wood, Tryon. Teresa Mellish, a departmental staff member, has been named as manager. The Board members have been meeting over the past several months to finalize operating procedures.
"The members of the Board bring a great deal of varied experiences to their new responsibilities and I am confident they will make an invaluable contribution to developing codes of practice and improving relations between the public and the agriculture industry," said Mr. Hammill. "I am very pleased that such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of people have agreed to serve in this capacity."
Under the new regulations, in addition to the development and designation of codes of practices, the Board is empowered to hear and mediate complaints about farming practices. There is no application fee for those making complaints to the Board.
The Departments of Agriculture and Forestry and Technology and Environment will continue to provide immediate response to complaints as they have in the past.
The Farm Practices Act, passed in June of 1998, will be proclaimed effective September 25.