This is the official members' website for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies.  The OAAS is the provincial association representing over 210 Agricultural Societies from across the province.  Its mission is "The OAAS provides leadership, guidance, education, and resources for its member Agricultural Societies".

For immediate release

The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) welcomes new agriculture minister as part of the provincial cabinet shuffle.

STIRLING, ON [June 18, 2021] – Today, the Ontario government announced a shuffle in its cabinet, resulting in several critical ministerial positions changing hands. A notable change impacting the OAAS and its member agricultural societies is the departure of Hon. Ernie Hardeman as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Hon. Lisa Thompson will take over leading the agriculture, food, and rural portfolio in Ontario.

As we look forward to working with Hon. Lisa Thompson, as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the OAAS and its membership would like to acknowledge and recognize the very significant contributions of Hon. Ernie Hardeman as a strong supporter of the OAAS and our agricultural societies and rural communities. Minister Hardeman was a true advocate for agriculture and rural Ontario and understood the importance of Ontario agricultural societies to their local communities and the entire province. 

“We regularly engaged with Minister Hardeman over the past few years and appreciated his passion for agricultural societies and his desire to see our industry survive, thrive and continue to contribute to their communities,” said Vince Brennan, OAAS Manager.

“We are especially appreciative for his support of our agricultural societies during the pandemic,” said Beth Howell-Vervaecke, OAAS President. “We wish him the best in his future endeavours and have appreciated our time working together.”

The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies looks forward to working with Minister Thompson to continue the valued partnership between OMAFRA and the OAAS. “She has a significant understanding of agricultural societies and their key role in agriculture education and food awareness as well as the multiple benefits agricultural societies bring to their communities”, said Brennan. 

The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) is the umbrella organization for over 210 Ontario agricultural societies with over 35,000 members across the province. The OAAS provides support, training, and resources for our member agricultural societies to assist them in supporting and deliver agriculture education, food awareness, heritage, tourism, and cultural programs and experiences in their communities.  

For more information, contact:

Vince Brennan
Manager
Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies
613-395-2465
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

”Celebrating 175 years.”
2022 Convention: February 17-19,
#FairsAreResilient
“Teamwork makes  our Ag Societies Strong.”

 

 


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PRESS RELEASE | THE OAAS CONVENTION
HAS “GONE VIRTUAL” TO CELEBRATE 175 YEARS

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 2:00 PM by Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies

CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AT THEIR “GONE VIRTUAL” CONVENTION

For Immediate Release

February 25, 2021 – For 175 years, the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) has been adapting to change, and this past week was no exception. For the first time in the organization's history, their annual Convention has “Gone Virtual,” which ran from Monday, February 15 until Saturday, February 20.

Despite the challenges of the rural Ontario internet, approximately 800 delegates participated in the Virtual Convention. The seminars covered topics as varied as risk management, post-COVID protocols for the safe staging of fairs and events, strategic planning, fundraising, and board governance.

The OAAS Convention offered entertainment, family showcases and the Tradeshow in a virtual format that allowed delegates to view them at their convenience during the week—having it delivered virtually provided an exciting opportunity for increased attendance at the over 30 seminars and allowed for prerecorded “Quick-Tip” videos throughout.

The Convention concluded with the OAAS Annual General Meeting where over 400 delegates representing close to 180 agricultural societies were in attendance. The OAAS is pleased to have been joined by Minister Ernie Hardeman, Minister MacLeod and Senator Rob Black, bringing their greetings, congratulations and continuing support to the OAAS and their Agricultural Societies.

Beth 2021

Beth Howell-Vervaecke

2021 OAAS Executive:

  • Beth Howell-Vervaecke, President 
  • Liz O'Gorman-Smit, 1st Vice President 
  • Glen Syme, 2nd Vice President 
  • Brian Slaughter, Past-President 

2021 Provincial Board of Directors:

  • Valerie Allen, District 1
  • Angie Robinson, District 2
  • Heather Owens, District 3
  • Andrew Iceton, District 4
  • Linda Murray, District 5
  • Heather Dillon, District 6
  • Andrew Taylor, District 7
  • Bart Scherpenzeel, District 8
  • Grace Mullen, District 9
  • Mike Dupuis, District 10
  • Carol Cann, District 11
  • District 12 (vacant)
  • Lauren Armstrong, District 13
  • Leonard Ripel, District 14
  • Randy Creighton, District 15

 

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For more information on the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) and our Ontario Agricultural Societies and their fairs, visit www.ontarioagsocieties.com 

Contact:
Vince Brennan, OAAS Manager
P: 613-395-2465
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

#fairsareresilient