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The Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame annually celebrates the contributions of four individuals to the agriculture industry in Atlantic Canada. Producers, innovators, volunteers, scientists and business professionals are honoured for their role in shaping and influencing agriculture at the local, national and international levels.

Established in 1968 as a means of honouring individuals in Atlantic Canada for their contribution to the development of the agricultural industry in the region, one person from each of the four Atlantic Provinces is honoured at an induction ceremony and reception held at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture during the month of October.

The 2016 inductees into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame are Robert English – New Brunswick, Paul Lomond – Newfoundland and Labrador
Casey Van de Sande – Nova Scotia and  Eddy Dykerman – Prince Edward Island.    

“We are very proud as a Faculty to host the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame on the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus,” said Dr. David Gray, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Principal, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.  “These industry pioneers have led by example and are such a positive influence and reminder to the future generation of all that can be accomplished with determination and vision “Congratulations to this year’s inductees.”

Nova Scotia inductee Casey Van de Sande is an alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture and has provided steadfast leadership to Nova Scotia’s dairy industry and fellow producers. His outstanding commitment to the growth and development of rural agricultural organizations has improved the lives of farmers throughout the province.

As a dairy farmer, Casey was known for being progressive in his adoption of new methods and technology. He has generously shared his knowledge and experience of field crops and milk production with fellow producers. Casey’s top farm priorities were to improve milk production and deliver a top quality product. Through enrollment in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and the Record of Production program, his purebred Holsteins were consistently among the province’s top producing herds. He was presented with the Dairy Award of Excellence an impressive 11 times. Casey furthered his commitment to dairy production when he served as President of the Nova Scotia Milk Producers Association. It was during his term that equalized percentage payout on fluid milk was introduced, providing stability for dairy farmers.

Paul Lomond - Paul Lomond’s vision and pioneering spirit have transformed the berry industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through collaboration and innovation Paul has made a significant impact on horticultural production and the people the industry supports. Perhaps Paul’s greatest contribution to the province’s horticulture industry has been the introduction of new berry crops for commercial use. Through collaboration with producers across North America, he has been instrumental in taking the province’s strawberry production from a small cottage industry to a large, main stream enterprise. As one of the original producers involved in research and development, Paul helped to transform cranberry production into a viable commercial activity in Newfoundland and Labrador. He has also assisted in the introduction of half high blueberries, partridge berries, sea buckthorns, and black currents to the province.

Eddy Dykerman - Eddy Dykerman’s considerable contributions to horticulture as a producer and volunteer have been varied and far-reaching. His passion for helping his fellow producers has created a culture of success not only in PEI but in international communities. Eddy has been a leader in environmentally responsible farming in his own operations and through his involvement in agricultural organizations. Brookfield Farms has been a long-standing participant in the Environmental Farm Plan Program, implementing integrated pest management and nutrient management programs, constructing berms and grassed waterways, and building collection and irrigation ponds to control water runoff. Brookfield Farms received the 2012 Gilbert R Clements Award for Excellence in Environmental Farm Planning.

Robert English - Robert English has tirelessly advocated for New Brunswick producers and helped support new entrants into farming. As both an active member of the agriculture sector and a policy advisor, Rob has helped to transform the culture of the industry and advance agriculture across the province. In 2003, Rob became a Director of the Agricultural Alliance of NB. As a part of a three-person team he was responsible for negotiating the merger of the two provincial federations of agriculture into this one bilingual organization serving all New Brunswickers. During his two years as President of the Alliance, he initiated the Agricultural Summit, which served to unite the agricultural community and define a vision for the future. As part of the post-summit Minister’s Round Table, Rob helped develop a multi-year strategy to transform the province’s agriculture sector. Through his work with the Alliance he would also develop the Stable Funding Act, advance land use policies, and lobby to keep fuel tax exemptions at point of sale.

For comeplete citations please visit.  dal.ca/aahf