The new deputy minister of agriculture is a “poster boy” for industrial agriculture, claims a new advocacy group featuring some high profile Islanders.
Vision P.E.I. says the appointment of John Jamieson, former executive director for the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture, is a sure fire way to delight the Irvings, owners of Cavendish Farms.
“The premier (Wade MacLauchlan) has appointed the poster boy for industrial agriculture,” says David Weale, one of the many Vision P.E.I. members. “I’m sure the Irvings couldn’t be happier.”
Vision P.E.I. was formed prior to the last election over “some kitchen table discussions” and provides commentary on a host of Island issues. It uses social media as a forum and membership continues to grow.
Jamieson is an agrologist who has worked with the federation since 2004.
RELATED: Premier names top P.E.I. bureaucrats
He has also been with the P.E.I. Hog Marketing Board, a food safety consultant and with the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership, and is known as an outspoken advocate for Island agriculture.
His most recent forays have been to defend commercial farmers and pesticide use as opposition social media groups have sprouted up to oppose such practices.
In his commentary, Weale contends the tipping point for Islanders will come when it becomes apparent there will be no transition away from “toxic potato monoculture” and when the public is informed that science indicates it is safe to drill new deep water wells.
“Gird your loins friends...rough times ahead,” he writes. “Our vision for the future does not include agricultural practices that poison earth, air and water. It also does not include the shaping of Island agricultural policy to accommodate the agenda of large multinational corporations like the Irving’s. Resistance is necessary.”
The new deputy minister of agriculture is a “poster boy” for industrial agriculture, claims a new advocacy group featuring some high profile Islanders.
Vision P.E.I. says the appointment of John Jamieson, former executive director for the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture, is a sure fire way to delight the Irvings, owners of Cavendish Farms.
“The premier (Wade MacLauchlan) has appointed the poster boy for industrial agriculture,” says David Weale, one of the many Vision P.E.I. members. “I’m sure the Irvings couldn’t be happier.”
Vision P.E.I. was formed prior to the last election over “some kitchen table discussions” and provides commentary on a host of Island issues. It uses social media as a forum and membership continues to grow.
Jamieson is an agrologist who has worked with the federation since 2004.
RELATED: Premier names top P.E.I. bureaucrats
He has also been with the P.E.I. Hog Marketing Board, a food safety consultant and with the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership, and is known as an outspoken advocate for Island agriculture.
His most recent forays have been to defend commercial farmers and pesticide use as opposition social media groups have sprouted up to oppose such practices.
In his commentary, Weale contends the tipping point for Islanders will come when it becomes apparent there will be no transition away from “toxic potato monoculture” and when the public is informed that science indicates it is safe to drill new deep water wells.
“Gird your loins friends...rough times ahead,” he writes. “Our vision for the future does not include agricultural practices that poison earth, air and water. It also does not include the shaping of Island agricultural policy to accommodate the agenda of large multinational corporations like the Irving’s. Resistance is necessary.”
