Peterborough Agricultural Society to Continue With New Board of Directors

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After being in jeopardy of being disbanded, the Peterborough Agricultural Society (PAS) is continuing to serve the community after a newly elected board of directors during their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PAS.

The 180-year-old organization, with its new board, is planning to revitalize the Society and charting a sustainable path forward with 12 new members and three associate board members, according to Louise Dobbin, PAS general manager.

“We’re excited to take on this important responsibility and look forward to working with the community to continue the Society’s legacy,” said Louise Dobbin, general manager. “Our focus will be on strengthening agricultural education, fostering partnerships, and reimagining the future of the Peterborough Agricultural Society.”

The new Board invites the community to get involved as they develop plans for the year ahead.

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Peterborough Agricultural Society May Close Due to Lack of Board Members

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The Peterborough Agricultural Society (PAS) is in jeopardy of closing as it requires volunteers to join its Board of Directors or face permanent stoppage in operations announced on Thursday.


Founded in 1844, the Peterborough Agricultural Society was known for running the Peterborough Exhibition. Photo courtesy of PAS.

PAS is holding its Annual General Membership meeting on Jan.15 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52, 1550 Lansdowne St. W. to determine the 180-year-old organization’s future.

The current Board has announced its decision to step down at the end of this term following ongoing challenges. This includes relocating after losing access to Morrow Park last year.

“This is a critical moment for the Peterborough Agricultural Society,” said Louise Dobbin, PAS general manager. “The current Board has faced numerous challenges and we are calling on the community to rally behind us. Without enough committed individuals to lead, the organization cannot continue and we risk losing this historic Society for good.”

The Board seeks volunteers with governance, finance, strategic planning, event management, communications and agriculture skills to help guide the organization forward. Board members must reside within Peterborough County or the City of Peterborough and commit to attending ten meetings a year.

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City Council Invokes Buyout Clause to Develop Property on Morrow Park; Peterborough Agricultural Society Forced To Move

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Peterborough City Council has invoked a buyout clause from the Morrow Park Agreement, forcing the Peterborough Agricultural Society to move from its location to develop on the property, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

File Photo.

The Board of the Peterborough Agricultural Society has issued the following statement:

“With mixed emotions the Board of the Peterborough Agricultural Society would like to inform the public that Peterborough City Council have given notice that they have invoked the buyout clause within the Morrow Park Agreement, asking the Society to move from our long term home at Morrow Park. This is so they can proceed to develop this historical area.

As the directors of the Society, we wish the City and its citizens best of luck with the development of their said lands. We also wish to express our extreme gratitude to the many volunteers and families who have faithfully put countless hours of time and ef ort into this major annual event over the past 180 years. It is our intent at this time to go forward as the Peterborough Agricultural Society and to look for a new home and start a new beginning. Our hopes are to form strong partnerships within the county of Peterborough and continue to promote agricultural education to the general public. Rest assured we are still here. We have a strong board of directors who are dedicated to the task of rebuilding this once strong institution. Please expect that there will be new things to come and opportunities for you, the public, to help.”

The Society has set up an online auction of memorabilia from 175 years of the Peterborough Exhibition. There are 204 items up for bid including furniture, farming equipment, clothing, signs, odds and ends and more. The auction opens on Oct. 10 and ends on Oct. 16.

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Peterborough Agricultural Society To Host Seedling Market and Garden Show

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The Peterborough Agricultural Society is hosting a seedling market and garden show this Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morrow Building.

file photo.

Initially planned as a seedling exchange, the response from the local gardening community was so positive that organizers have added a number of educational sessions, speakers and local home and garden businesses.

“The event has really taken off,” says Louise Dobbin, general manager of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “We’re excited to be offering something that appeals to both people who are new to gardening and those who are experienced.”

The event will feature a Seedling Swap Table where people can trade vegetable, flower or small house plant seedlings for others as well as a seed starting booth which will provide people with up to two seed kits to start and take home.

Professional Horticulture and garden specialist Erin Muscutt will be on hand from 11 a.m. to noon for an ‘Ask an Expert’ discussion as well as other speakers on vermicomposting and sprouts.

Those looking to stock up on supplies can shop from a variety of local vendors carrying seedlings, apiary products, garden decor, home and landscaping services.

Admission to the show is free and there will be a door prize from Griffin’s Greenhouse. For more information about the event, visit the website or contact Louise Dobbin at generalmanager@peterboroughag.ca.

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The Peterborough Agricultural Exchange Presents Tack Exchange Event

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The Peterborough Agricultural Society is bringing together equestrians and horse lovers in Peterborough at the upcoming Tack Exchange on April 16 at the Morrow Building.

photo courtesy of the peterborough agricultural society.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Tack Exchange will offer a wide range of new and gently used tack and clothing. Horse enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to sell or trade their own gently used equipment and accessories at the event.

The Tack Exchange is open to all, regardless of riding level or discipline. 

“We are excited to bring together the equestrian community in Peterborough,” said Louise Dobbin, General Manager of the Peterborough Ag Society. “Our goal is to create a fun and welcoming environment where horse enthusiasts can connect, learn, and shop for high-quality equestrian equipment at affordable prices.”

Vendor tables are available for $15 and general admission to the Tack Exchange is free. For more information about the event, visit PeterboroughAg.ca or contact Louise Dobbin.

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AgTech Startups Booming: Innovation Cluster Partners With Peterborough Agriculture Society

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Seeing the vast potential in the booming AgTech sector locally, The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster (GPIC) has announced an innovative new partnership with the Peterborough Agricultural Society (PAS).

It was a perfect fit with the Innovation Cluster as The Peterborough Agriculture Society has outlined a new strategic plan which clearly identifies the desire to promote agriculture awareness with an emphasis on advanced agriculture processes and technology, something the Innovation Cluster has championed in the community.

Entomo Farms

Indeed, the Innovation Cluster has been working with companies to aid in the commercialization of agriculture research and in promoting innovation in the agriculture sector with companies such as Noble Tech Inc., Entomo Farms and Chimp Treats.

“There are a growing number of AgTech start-ups in the region and this partnership will be crucial to the development of our local agriculture sector and economy,” says Michael Skinner, Interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster.

Andrea Lacerda from Noble Tech

The Innovation Cluster will kick off this unique affiliation with PAS by hosting a demonstration area—coined "Innovation Agriculture Zone"—at the Peterborough Exhibition in August for Innovative Agriculture related companies, and Chimp Treats will be there launching a new product.

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