RIDGETOWN — Tony Straathof of Westmeath and a director, and most recently the past-president, with the Renfrew County National Farmers Union, has been returned to his seat on the board of the National Farmers Union.
This election occurred at the National Farmers Union – Ontario Annual General Meeting and Convention held in Ridgetown on March 4.
At this same meeting, Emery Huszka of Florence was acclaimed as the National Farmers Union – Ontario President, NFU National Board member, and NFU Region 3 Co-ordinator.
In his second term, Mr. Huszka remains committed to the NFU-O’s focus on engaging youth and sharing the NFU-O’s core values with both rural and urban populations.
“The youth are farming’s future, and if we don’t prioritize strong rural communities and economically and environmentally sustainable farms, there will be nothing left for the next generation,” Mr. Huszka stated.
“I made a commitment when I took on the role last year to pursue membership as part of the NFU-O’s economic sustainability, and I am pleased that the NFU-O continues to grow in size,” Huszka commented. “Now, more than ever, we need the NFU-O’s voice. The recent elimination of the democratically elected Ontario Processing Vegetable Board highlights the need for farmers to be engaged and work together, and I encourage all farmers and eaters who care about food and farming issues to join us.”
Also elected to the NFU-O Board and NFU Region 3 Council were Mr. Straathof (Westmeath) and Ayla Fenton (Kingston) as National Board members; Marcelle Paulin (Pass Lake), Steve Laing (Prince Edward), and Paul Dejong (Dundalk) as Councillors-at-large. Dodie Ellenbogen (Prince Edward) as Women’s Advisor and Martin Boettcher (Brussels) as Youth Advisor were acclaimed.
The Renfrew County National Farmers Union meets the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Barr Line Community Centre. All are invited to attend and participate in the discussions.
