BNBB_AR_14_en_Layout 1 - Bleuets NB Blueberries

Annual General Meeting
March 28-29, 2014
Ramada Plaza (Crystal Palace)
499 Paul Street, Dieppe, NB
Table of Contents
Message from the President ........................................................................................................3
Annual Report to Producers.........................................................................................................5
Sponsors...................................................................................................................................12
Board of Directors .....................................................................................................................13
Agenda – Friday & Saturday.......................................................................................................14
Agenda – BNBB Business Meeting.............................................................................................15
AGM Minutes 2013...................................................................................................................16
Financial Statements (inserted)
Message from the President
Welcome
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and your fields full of potential for another
great harvest. In last year’s annual report I took the opportunity to talk about all
the positive events of the year and this year I would like to do the same. Again, as
a Province, we produced our second largest crop ever, +41 million pounds. Thanks
in no small part to our contributions to WBANA, this fruit has successfully been
marketed effectively around the world. As I travel the Province, I see examples of
innovation through every aspect of our industry and I believe that is the key to our
success now and in the future.
Speaking of the future. The wild blueberry industry in NB is set to explode.
With the Government of NB committed to make available potentially 10,000 acres
of crown land (and more than 15,000+ acres of private land to be developed across
the Province, it is foreseeable that we will become the world leader of wild blueberry
production in the next 20 years. It is with this in mind that I ponder the place of
BNBB in this scenario. With the recent application by the North East Blueberry
Producers Association to hold a plebiscite to determine if the North East Region of
BNBB should be separated from BNBB and form its own marketing board, I think it
would be worth a moment of your time to ponder. If you are a producer in the
North East, it is obvious that, should the vote occur and be passed, your place in the
blueberry industry will change. But what may be less obvious is how this will affect
the rest of the Province. Growers, regardless of where your farms are situated, you
will lose your power to speak with one voice. This is not the first time this has
happened in the agricultural industry in NB. The time has passed where we, as
members of BNBB, can only play the part of observers to our destiny. At the very least,
we need to ask more questions. Whether it be a Board member of BNBB, a member of
the North East Growers Association, the Farm Products Commission or your local
MLA, it is time to inform ourselves and let our voices be heard.
This year saw BNBB continue the work that we have done so well in the past.
Whether we feel our partners are making the decisions we like or not, BNBB has their
ear, whether it be the Government, other agriculture agencies or industry. BNBB has
continued to work hard and been successful at maintaining lines of communication.
We are reaching out to old partners and looking for new ones, all in an effort to
further the world’s familiarity with our product and develop better ways to grow it.
Believe it or not, many New Brunswickers are still not familiar with our product and
we never miss an opportunity to appear at a festival or conference and spread the
word. Last year we attended nine festivals and countless conferences and handed
out samples and information to the public.
Continued on page 4
3
Continued from page 3
We have been hard at work updating our website so we can provide the public
with more information about us and at the same time creating a hub of information
specifically for you, the New Brunswick producer. It is a great time to mention how
hard and effective BNBB works at driving research in the industry. Not only do the
scientists need financial backing for their projects, they need industry backing and
direction to get them started. Without an agency like BNBB to suggest, support and
follow up, it is impossible for them to access government research funds. We are
often cited by our peers for being the model for effectively doing so.
Over the time I have been on the Board of BNBB and as the Chair, I have become
increasingly aware of how vital WBANA is to the wild blueberry industry’s success.
When one looks around at other industries, whether they be agriculture or other,
and how they market their products, we see more often than not disjointed
marketing strategies that are ineffective and short sited. WBANA is a focused,
strategic marketing engine that has allowed each of us to enter or expand our
operations. Do not be fooled because you do not see an advert for wild berries
during the 6 o’clock news. WBANA is working around the world to increase the
awareness of our wild blueberries to those who buy our products. The next time
you walk down the dairy isle at your local grocery store, try and find a yoghurt brand
that does not have a blueberry flavour. I know what you will see and I guarantee that
it does not happen by accident. But before you move on, take a look and see how
many specify wild blueberries. I know what you will see and I guarantee that “wild”
will not appear there by accident. That it is why we must not forget how important it
is to continue our contributions to WBANA. In the face of a massive “cultivated”
blueberry industry, we must indeed work harder to provide them with the quality
fruit that will allow our industry to thrive for generations to come.
On a closing note, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the wild
blueberry growers of the Province and current and past members of BNBB to wish
a fond farewell to Jamie Morrison who is moving on as Secretary Manager of BNBB.
Jamie’s passion for the industry has been a driving force at BNBB since he took the
position six years ago. His talents as a promoter and organizational skills have been
vital to BNBB fulfilling its true mandate in a manner that is above reproach.
Brett Reidpath
Chair
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Annual Report to Producers 2014
Activities from March 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014
1 Services to Producers
BNBB provides a number of services to producers. One of our key roles is to facilitate
learning opportunities like technical sessions, workshops and kitchen meetings. We
also administer the Advance Payment Program and publish a newsletter twice yearly.
Details are provided below.
Learning Opportunities
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries,
BNBB ensures growers have access to production and research information.
Our activities in 2013 included:
➢ Spring Technical Session and Annual General Meeting
• In Moncton at the Ramada Crystal Palace on April 5-6, 2013. This was our
second combined district meeting and we went with a provincial approach to
maintain an industry event involving researchers, processors and suppliers.
➢ Twilight Meetings
• In Tilley Road, Memramcook and Pennfield on June 20, 18 and 13, 2013
respectively. BNBB thanks Bernard Savoie, Roland Dupuis and David Hatt for
hosting the meetings.
➢ Annual Field Day
• At the farm of Murray Tweedie in Saint-Ignace on July 3, 2013. BNBB thanks
Murray and Diane for hosting the field day.
➢ Regional Fall Kitchen Meetings
• Tracadie, November 20, 2013
• Moncton, November 19, 2013
• Saint George, December 11, 2013
Advance Payment Program (APP)
The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a financial loan guarantee program that
gives producers easier access to credit through cash advances. The APP is accessed
through producer organizations that administer the program through an agreement
with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and a designated lending institution.
BNBB is a participating organization that continues to administer the APP program.
The APP is part of the suite of business risk management programs offered by the federal government. In 2013, BNBB disbursed $490,000 to seven growers and producers
who saved over $12,000 in interest.
Maritime Wild Blueberry Benchmark/Cost of Production Study
BNBB continues to work with Perennia to develop a more user friendly application to
allow the growers to better monitor their cost of production. The prototype should be
available during 2014.
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Pricing Committee
BNBB, along with WBPANS and PEIWBGA, are working in conjunction with the
Syndicate of Quebec growers in producing a pricing study. As such, the committee
is waiting for the study to be finalized in order to provide further comment to the
growers of the Maritimes.
Newsletter & Website
BNBB produces two newsletters annually where research projects, production reports,
WBANA activities, and upcoming events are shared with producers. These are
published in June and December. BNBB also maintains a website which is in the
process of being completely revamped and should be online by May 2014 whereby
producers may consult for research summaries and documents, previous newsletters,
classified ads and links to other sites.
2 Administrative / Industry Activities
Similar to previous years, the BNBB Board of Directors conducted regular meetings
throughout the year. BNBB is an active member on the WBANA Board of Directors
and, as part of the larger agricultural sector, supported organizations such as the
New Brunswick Agricultural Alliance and the Canadian Horticultural Council.
BNBB ensures that the voice of blueberry growers is heard in various forums and has
worked to be involved in discussions of broader policy issues that affect the industry.
As an example, BNBB was consulted by the Department of Agriculture prior to the
final report on the next five year strategy report.
BNBB Board Meetings
• March 7, 2013
• AGM Meeting April 5 & 6, 2013
• April 23, 2013
• August 5, 2013 (cc)
• October 9, 2013
• November 13, 2013
• December 3, 2013
• January 15, 2014 (cc)
The Board also organized a governance course to assist in the Board meeting process.
BNBB Chair and some of the Board met with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture
on May 27, 2013 to discuss the forthcoming D.A.A strategic plan for the Blueberry
industry.
New Brunswick Agricultural Alliance
• AGM on January 23-24, 2014. BNBB set up the booth and provided samples of
blueberry juice.
• Commodity Board Advisory Group, April 30, 2013 and Dec 2, 2013.
New Brunswick Farm Products Commission
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• Annual Review, April 25, 2013
• Appeal hearing re: North East Association, November 14, 2013
Canadian Horticultural Council/CHC Blueberry Working Group
• AGM, Ottawa, March 12-15, 2013
WBANA
• Attended annual spring meeting in Saint Félicien, Québec, on April 19, 2013.
• Conference calls of the Board on July 3, September 16 and December 19, 2013
and February 13, 2014. Also, joint meeting WBANA Canada and WBANA USA,
Bangor, Maine, October 23-24, 2013.
Wetlands Consultation
• On April 4, 2013 and Jan 9, 2014, BNBB participated with the Department of the
Environment to consider a “Balanced Approach to Wetlands”.
Value Added NBCC, St. Andrews
• Participated in initial discussions to establish a value added chair at NBCC,
St. Andrews, November 29, 2013.
Wild Life Damage Compensation
• Participated in three meetings between Department of Natural Resources,
Department of Agriculture and the Alliance in developing the recently announced
wild life damage compensation package.
Association des Producteurs de Bleuets Sauvages
du Nord-Est du Nouveau-Brunswick
• Provided financial support for activities in the Northeast Association.
3 Research
DAAF staff is constantly updating the content within the Wild Blueberry Production
Guide, which is available on the www.gnb.ca/agriculture website within the blueberry
section. Growers are encouraged to visit the website and look over the resources
available. Staff involved in this undertaking include: Gaetan Chiasson, Maurice
Basque, Gavin Graham, Kelvin Lynch, Michel Melanson, Chris Maund and
Etienne Thériault.
Gavin Graham – Weed Management Specialist, NBDAAF. EARI-13-010 –
Innovative weed control methods to improve the competitiveness of wild blueberry
production. Year 1 of a 5-year project.
The project will deliver multiple, stand-alone herbicide trials which can be used to
support product registration within wild blueberries. Sixteen separate herbicide trials
were conducted in wild blueberry in response to the project objective over the 2013
growing season. Experimental results will be submitted for inclusion in the 2013
Agricultural Research Abstracts from the NBDAAF and will be available on the
website. Data generated through this trial work will be included in future URMULE
submissions and specific registration support was offered for nicosulfuron/
rimsulfuron submissions. Information was presented to growers in the BNBB
Newsletter and future education sessions. Experimental results will be used in
development of factsheet revisions, including the Wild Blueberry IPM Weed
Management Guide.
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Christopher Maund (Integrated Pest Management Specialist (Entomologist) and
Provincial Apiarist), Michel Melanson (DAAF), Roger J.A. Tremblay (DAAF), Etienne Theriault (DAAF), Rebeccah Allen (DAAF), Debra Moreau (AAFC, Kentville)
and “Spotted Wing Drosophila Survey in New Brunswick, 2013”
The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, (Matsumura), is an insect
pest (belonging to group of flies generally called vinegar flies, pomace flies or small
fruit flies), which attacks ripening and ripe soft thin skinned fruit of various crops
and damages fruit. This includes wild blueberry and fruit from uncultivated and wild
hosts. The adult prefers to attack undamaged fruit and cuts the skin of the fruit and
lays an egg under the skin. The egg soon hatches into a small white larva which
causes damage, reducing the shelf life of the fruit. The first report of this pest occurring in New Brunswick (NB) was in 2012. Apple cider vinegar traps were used to trap
adult flies. Staff at the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and
Fisheries (DAAF) conducted a survey in 2012, which mainly included southern,
southeastern and a small part of northeastern NB. In 2013, a more extensive survey
was conducted. This pest has now been reported from all NB Counties.
Wild blueberry is one of the SWD’s preferred host crops. The SWD was first trapped
in the week of 22 July, in both 2012 and 2013. Population levels of adults then rapidly
increased. In 2013, adult SWD were found in all Counties by mid-September. Survey
updates and management recommendations were posted weekly on the www.gnb.ca
web site in the “Crop Updates” section. Updates were also provided at meetings held
by Bleuets NB Blueberries and other commodity group meetings. A small number of
pre-harvest samples of wild blueberries were tested for the presence of SWD larvae
and none were infested. Traps were placed at sites where SWD was found in the previous year. Spotted wing drosophila adults were not found in traps in the spring or early
summer in crop fields or at edges of crop fields surveyed. Further research needs to be
done in NB to better understand the biology of this pest and its impact on wild blueberry and other soft thin-skinned fruit crops. The project was conducted by DAAF
staff, plus help from staff from NB Agri-Environmental Clubs.
Dr. Chris Cutler, Dalhousie University
1. Ecology and management of blueberry flea beetle (co-PI with Dr. K. Hillier, Acadia) (NS Dept Agriculture)
Dr. Hillier continues his studies in the ecology and management of the flea beetle.
BNBB continues to provide financial support.
2. Seed predation by beetles in wild blueberry (CAAP, AAFC; 2011-2013;
COMPLETE)
In the laboratory, the beetle Harpalus rufipes, the most abundant carabid beetle in NS
wild blueberry fields, preferred to consume sheep sorrel seeds over hairy fescue seeds,
although other types of weed seeds were eaten by this beetle.
Rates of sheep sorrel seed consumption in the field were higher than that of hairy fescue. When exposed by direct topical contact, H. rufipes was susceptible to field rates
of phosmet (Imidan), whereas field rates of acetamiprid (Assail) and spirotetramat
(Movento) had not acute lethal effects on beetles.
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We have made blueberry growers aware that: (1) beetles and crickets exist in their
fields that consume seeds of economically important weeds; and (2) certain pesticides
used in blueberry production are toxic to beneficial beetles. These results highlight:
(1) opportunities to explore habitat management tactics to boost populations of H. rufipes as a component of an integrated weed management plan; and (2) the importance
of using reduced-risk insecticides to minimize impacts on beneficial insects to conserve their ecological services in blueberry fields.
3. Plant essential oils for insect pest management in blueberry (Organic Science
Cluster; 2014-2016)
This project has just been approved and experiments will be initiated in Spring 2014.
The overriding objective is to examine commercially available and novel essential oils
for control of insect pests in wild blueberries. Specific objectives are:
Determine the efficacy of selected commercially available essential oils (e.g. thyme,
rosemary, and piperamides) against blueberry fruit fly, spanworm, flea beetle and/or
leaf-tier. Oils will be examined alone and in combination with currently available
products. We are particularly interested in the potential for synergies between products.
Isolation, identification and testing (laboratory and field) of essential oils extracted
from plants that occur naturally in NS and Atlantic Canada, against blueberry pests.
4. Landscape intensification, wild pollinators, and blueberry yield
(NS Dept Agriculture).
This project has just been approved and experiments will be initiated in Spring 2014.
The overall objectives of our research are to:
better understand how pollination integrates into high wild blueberry
yields;
determine to what extent high wild blueberry yield can overlap with the
conservation of wild bee biodiversity.
This research looks to better utilize existing pollination resources in production of
wild blueberries, enabling cost-savings in pollination inputs. This also facilitates the
ability of growers to expand their share into premium "wildlife friendly" markets by
demonstrating that their production systems are compatible with wild bee conservation. This work will enable blueberry growers to better predict the economic impact
of different patterns of land use and landscape development. It will also provide clues
to growers on how to optimally manage pollinator resources with respect to the potential of their fields to bear fruit.
5. Integrated management of pest and beneficial insects in wild blueberry
production (NSERC CRD; 2014-2019; technical support)
This project proposal has been submitted. The project will tackle insect management
challenges in wild blueberries by: (1) determining the potential of new biopesticides
and reduced-risk products against blueberry insect pests; (2) monitoring for new invasive insects that may threaten wild blueberry production; (3) determining the hazard of such products to bees and natural enemies; and (4) determining the potential
of various habitat management techniques to boost natural enemy and wild pollinator
communities around blueberry fields.
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Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Precision Agriculture Research Chair, Engineering
Department, Dalhousie University
Currently, the mechanically harvested blueberry area is more than 80 percent of the
total wild blueberry area in Canada and only the fields in rough terrain are still hand
raked. In last two decades, increased management practices of wild blueberry fields
using more fertilizers, pesticides and selective herbicides have resulted in healthy tall
plants, high plant density, and significant increase in fruit yield. There are 15 to 25%
fruit yield losses during harvesting with existing commercial blueberry harvester due
to changes in crop conditions and rough terrain. The economic importance of blueberries emphasizes the need to identify the factors resulting in harvesting losses in
order to improve blueberry harvester efficiency. Increased harvesting efficiency of the
harvester could reduce fruit losses and contribute $31,200,000 to Atlantic provinces
and Quebec every year.
Dr. Zaman and his team initiate research program to develop innovative integrated
harvesting efficiency to improve harvesting efficiency of blueberry harvester using
precision agriculture technologies. The results of this project will help ensure the long
term stability of the industry and make growers more profitable over time.
4 Promotions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
WBANA contribution (2013 crop) $132,000.
Caraquet Days, April 26-28, 2013.
NBCC (St. Andrews) Culinary Chefs Competition, May 22, 2013.
Shippagan Aquaculture Days, July 19, 2013.
Granite Town Blueberry Festival, August 18, 2013.
New Maryland Blueberry Days, August 22, 2013.
Feast in the Field, Officer’s Square in Fredericton, September 8, 2013.
Bud Doncaster Memorial Agricultural Field Day, Sackville, September 21, 2013.
MLA Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, Cafeteria at the Legislature.
Fredericton, December 4, 2013.
• Premier’s Gala, Fredericton, December 11, 2013.
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5 Production Data
NB Wild Blueberry Production
(ooo)
45,000
42,000 lbs
40,000
35,000
Year
5 yr Ave
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
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AGM Sponsors 2014
BNBB would like to thank NBDAAF staff for their hard work and dedication to the blueberry industry.
Without their help and many hours BNBB would not be able to provide the information and events to our growers
of New Brunswick. A special thanks to Michel Melanson for his continued support.
We are also very grateful for the support of our sponsors who make our two day AGM possible
while maintaining the low cost to our growers. Thank you very much!
Grand Falls Agromart Ltd.
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Board of Directors 2013-2014
Standing L to R
Russell Weir, Arsène Roussel, Norbert Brideau,
Benoît Savoie, Ed Goguen, Jamie Morrison.
Seated L to R
Brett Reidpath, Murray Tweedie, John Ness,
Kathy Trueman Del Villar.
Northeast Region
Norbert Brideau, 548-9750
Arsène Roussel, 395-3575
Benoît Savoie, 776-5550
• Vice Chair, Board of Directors
• WBANA Board Representative
Southwest Region
Ed Goguen, 455-4566
• Chair, Pollination Committee
John Ness, 485-6248
Russell Weir, 755-6001
• Chair, Research Committee
Southeast Region
Brett Reidpath, 384-6507
• Chair, Board of Directors
Murray Tweedie, 876-4537
Kathy Trueman Del Villar, 536-8995
• Special Projects
Producers are invited to call their Board
members with any ideas, questions and
comments they may have concerning
upcoming activities and the work of the
Board. Please remember that at the annual
regional meetings one board member will be
elected in each region for a three year term.
We please ask produers to consider serving
for a term on the board. If you would like
more details please call the office at
(506) 459-2583 or toll free at
1-866-840-2583.
Office Hours
The hours of operation for the office
located at 1350 Regent Street in the
Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre are:
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to
5:00. The BNBB office is located in the
Strickland Building Annex at 680 Strickland
Lane. Producers are invited to stop by the
office when they are in Fredericton.
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Agenda
Friday
9:00
10:00
10:10
10:30
10:50
11:20
11:40
Registration: $30 includes all meals and banquet
Opening Remarks
GF2 update – Kevin McCully
Wildlife Damage Program – Marc King
Emerging Diseases of Wild Blueberries – Kelvin Lynch
Update on SWD in Maine – Frank Drummond
Natural Enemies of Wild Blueberries – Chris Cutler
12:00 Lunch
1:15
1:45
2:15
2:45
June Berry Drop – Frank Drummond
Bumble Bees – Studies and Observations – Gaétan Chiasson
Habitat Considerations for Native Bees – Steve Javorek
Resistant Weeds to Velpar – Scott White
3:05
Healthy Break
3:35
3:35
Long-term Wetland Management Strategy – Paul Jordan
Sucking Bugs in Blueberry Fields – Kelvin Lynch
6:00
7:00
Cash Bar
Banquet Supper
Guest Speaker: Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries,
Minister Mike Olscamp
Saturday
9:00
BNBB AGM
10:15 Healthy Break
10:45 Price Market Forecast – Gilbert Lavoie
11:30 Aerial Imaging and Mapping – Richard van de Put
12:00 Lunch
1:15
1:45
2:10
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2:35
Smart Sprayer for Spot-application of Agrochemicals – Qamar Zaman
Exploring Options to Encourage Native Bees – Robyn McCallum
Integrated Harvesting System to Improve Berry Picking Efficiency –
Qamar Zaman
Tax Rebate for On-farm Research – Bill Pitre
3:05
BNBB Closing Remarks
Agenda – BNBB Business Meeting
Moncton, March 29, 2014
1. Call to order.
2. Approval of the April 6, 2013 minutes.
3. Annual Report to Producers.
4. Audited Financial Statements.
5. General discussions and motions
6. Adjourn
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AGM Minutes 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013, Dieppe, NB
Chair
Brett Reidpath
Directors
Arsène Roussel, Kathy Trueman, Murray Tweedie, Russell Weir and John Ness
Secretary-Manager
Jamie Morrison
Absent:
Gilles Lepage, Ed Goguen
1. Meeting Called to Order: 9:15 a.m.
Brett provided copies of Order of Conducting Business and asked members
present to review and abide by these rules.
2. Approval of Minutes of AGM March 31, 2012 in Moncton
Approval of Minutes – March 31, 2012
Moved by Kathy Trueman
Seconded by Bernard Savoie
Motion carried
3. Annual Report
Motion to approve annual report
Moved by Russell Weir
Seconded by Arsène Roussel
Motion carried
Brett presented the report for year ending March 31, 2013. The report indicates
a busy season with many activities to assist the growers of New Brunswick.
He encourages members to volunteer to serve on the Board and our various
committees.
The Pricing Committee was particularly active this year and Brett thanked them
for their commitment and indicated an executive summary will be provided to
the meeting by Murray Tweedie.
4. Audited Financial Statements
Jamie presented the audited financial statements year ending February 28, 2013.
He indicated that he was pleased with the timeliness of the statements and
reviewed both the balance sheet and revenue and expense reports with the
growers in attendance.
The proposed budget for 2013-2014 was also tabled as an information item.
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Motion to accept financial statements as presented
Moved by Russell Weir
Seconded by Arsène Roussel
Motion carried
5. Executive Summary – Pricing Committee
Murray Tweedie presented the executive summary of the five meetings that had
been held by the Pricing Committee. Good information is being obtained and it is
hoped that the mandate will continue in order to provide all the growers with
accurate information as to the process.
6. Presentation of Farm Products Commission by Laura Poffenroth
Ms. Poffenroth presented a detailed outline of the process by which BNBB was
established, including consultation meetings, voting procedures and the results.
She indicated over 90% of those voting supported the project.
She also summarized the difference between an agency and a board and
acknowledged that a request had been received from the Northeast Association to
establish their own agency. Due to the complexity of the request, a legal opinion
has been requested but she could not provide a timeline for a reply. She will keep
interested parties informed as information becomes available.
There was a good discussion on the floor as to the process and implications of
decisions. This gave an opportunity for growers to better understand the process.
7. Elections – Representatives from the three Districts on the Board
Northeast District
Motion to nominate Norbert Brideau
Moved by Vernon Losier
Seconded by Arsène Roussel
There was a call for other nominations. There being no further nominations,
Norbert was proclaimed.
Southwest District
Motion to nominate Russell Weir
Moved by John Ness
Seconded by Dale McRae
There was a call for other nominations. There being no further nominations,
Russell was proclaimed.
Southeast District
Motion to nominate Brett Reidpath
There was a call for other nominations. There being no further nominations,
Brett was proclaimed.
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8. Resolutions
The following resolutions were tabled.
a. Moved that the Pricing Committee continue to operate in an effort to achieve
a more equitable pricing arrangement for our blueberries and do so in collaboration with representatives from NS and PEI as per the requirements of the
Farm Products Commission.
Moved by Murray Tweedie
Seconded by Arsene Roussel
Motion carried
b. Motion to amend the deadline to subscribe for crop insurance. This deadline
should be amended from December 1 to February 1 of the harvest year.
Moved by Mitch Paulin
Seconded by Gerard Hall
Motion carried
c. Motion to request that lessees obtain a percentage of the cost of leasing
Crown Lands which are used for growing wild blueberries, according to a
redistribution formula, this amount to be used for the repair and maintenance
of roads leading into blueberry fields and for research and development.
Moved by Mitch Paulin
Seconded by Arsene Roussel
Motion carried
d. Motion to request a moratorium on the scarification of Crown Lands.
Moved by Mitch Paulin
Seconded by Gerard Hall
Gerard Hall explained to the meeting the damage that is done through
scarification and the importance of convincing DNR to stop this
unsatisfactory procedure.
Motion carried.
e. BNBB should support and promote efforts in the research on fertilisation.
Moved by Mitch Paulin
Seconded by Robert Leger
Motion carried
f.
Motion that the position of Secretary-Manager have a maximum mandate of
three years.
Discussion from the floor indicated that this was not the function of the
members at large, but was the responsibility of the Board who can remove
the Secretary-Manager and subsequently, if the grower members are unhappy
with the Board’s decision, they have the ability to replace the Board. There
was a further discussion as to the difficulty in filling this position due to the
part time nature of the job.
Moved by Vernon Losier
Seconded by Gerard Hall
Motion defeated
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g. Motion that BNBB adopts a conflict of interest policy which would define:
• Positions on committees that can only be occupied by independent
producers (producers without interest); example the pricing committee
and the Crown Land committee
• Decision of the Board where only producers without interest would be
entitled to vote; example pricing issue
Moved by Vernon Losier
Seconded by Etienne Gagnon
Motion defeated
The discussion on the floor indicated the policy would be too restrictive and
hinder the operation of BNBB.
Motion that BNBB create in the coming year a conflict of interest policy for
directors.
Moved by John Schenkels
Seconded by Arsene Roussel
Motion carried
9. General Discussion
There was a general discussion on the floor as to the fall kitchen meetings.
Perhaps a more formalized agenda could be developed to allow for specific
regional commentary. There was also a suggestion that the AGM could be
moved to various sites as opposed to the central location in Moncton.
There being no further business, move for adjournment:
Moved by Kathy Trueman
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Notes
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