Jason Courneyea named new president of Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture
Date: Apr 15, 2024
The Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture (PEFA) has announced a change in leadership, with Jason Courneyea stepping into the role of president.
Courneyea succeeds longtime president John Thompson, who will continue his involvement with the organization in the role of past-president. Supporting the new leadership team are Bob Rogers as first vice-president and Don Williams as second vice-president.
A PEFA board member since 2018, Courneyea operates a farm on Gilead Road in Bloomfield and has been actively involved in agricultural advocacy within Prince Edward County.
During the leadership transition, the federation also recognized the longstanding contributions of John Thompson and his wife, Jane. The couple was nominated for inclusion in the Quinte Agricultural Wall of Fame in 2023, an honour celebrated at Stirling’s Farmtown Park Museum. John and Jane joined their family’s farming operation in Sophiasburgh in 1975 and have dedicated decades to serving both the agricultural sector and the broader community.
PEFA is one of 51 county and regional federations affiliated with and supported by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, working collectively to represent farmers across the province.
Beyond advocacy, the federation contributes to a variety of local initiatives, providing support to food banks, student bursary programs, Food for Learning initiatives, and the Prince Edward County 4H Dairy Club Royal Team.
The organization continues to act as a voice for farm families in Prince Edward County, addressing local agricultural concerns and engaging with municipal leaders. In recent years, PEFA members have hosted farm tours for municipal councillors to highlight the economic and social importance of agriculture in the region.
Directors are also focusing attention on the increasing spread of noxious weeds, exploring strategies and solutions to help the municipality address the issue more effectively.
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