OAAS 175th Anniversary

A glimpse into the past provides a great deal of insight into the present. The OAAS is 175 years old this year!
Glancing at our history emphasizes the reality of the transformative change that has taken place for the Provincial body of the Agricultural Societies in Ontario and what is yet to come.  

 

 This is the official members' website for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies.  The OAAS is the provincial association representing over 200 Agricultural Societies from across the province.  Its mission is a resource for its Members, by providing leadership through communication and education and encouraging the promotion of a rural way of life in Ontario.

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Please click here to read below the links to News Release and Updated Regulations

News Release - click here to read 

Updated Regulations - click here to read  

 

 

 

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.”