OVSGA grant supports expanded Ex 4-H, ag exhibits
Annual meeting held July 30

NORTH GOWER - The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association (OVSGA) gave out two grants for agricultural-related promotion during its annual meeting at North Gower July 30, 2000.

Held at Manderley Golf and Country Club, the meeting covered everything from a constitutional review led by Honorary Director Don Black, to election of officers and directors at large, to reports from the Secretary-Treasurer and the General Manager.

Returning for another year are President Ed Findlay and Vice-Presidents Lynda McCuaig and Bill Halpenny; three new directors include Benny Vance, Don Cochrane and Robert Dessaint.

Members decided to give the Central Canada Exhibition Association $750 to help it develop its agricultural component at this year's "Ex" beginning Aug. 17 in the Pure Country Pavilion (Aberdeen) and in the Agriplex. The main program will be a 4-H competition with each day focusing on a different element of 4-H activities in the 11 counties of Eastern Ontario.

The OVSGA will be one of several partners participating financially which will be acknowledged with signage and announcements several times a day. Directors decided to support the plan to help enhance agriculture at the "Ex" and particularly as another means of encouraging 4-H.

The Seed Growers will also sponsor the Whole Wheat Bread Competition conducted by the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. Up to $90 will be provided to be used as prizes for the best bread bakers in Eastern Ontario. Regional winners will go on to the Ontario Bread Baker competition to be judged next February.

Directors were easily persuaded by a note from the societies' Mary Fisher reminding them they're primary producers of the main ingredients used in the bread classes at local fairs.

The Growers - which have invested $200,000 in the project - were also briefed by Richard Lavigne and Ed Schouten of the Seaway Valley Farmers Energy Co-Operative on the status of the $50 million distilling plant proposed for Cornwall. With everything done at this end, the co-operative is still awaiting the final go-head from Germany's DG Bank, the men said.

Posted: Thursday, August 03, 2000