“The environment is important, because we want there to still be farmers seven generations from now!” – Sylvain Laquerre.
Toronto, July 24, 2013 – Today, Sylvain Laquerre, Noëlline Dusablon and their son Benoit accepted the Dairy Farm Sustainability Award from Wally Smith, President of the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and Andrew Ritchie, Managing Director, DeLaval Inc.- DeLaval. This year, these sixth- and seventh-generation farmers are celebrating the 200th anniversary of their family farm in Saint-Casimir (Quebec).
“Our award recognizes farmers with innovative management practices that improve the social, environmental and economic impact of dairy farming in Canada,” said DFC President, Wally Smith. “For decades, Canadian dairy producers have been adopting various sustainable production measures on their farms. We are pleased to take this opportunity to recognize one of these producers who have done so much for the environment.”
“DeLaval aims to help producers improve their productivity – to do more with less,” stated Andrew Ritchie, Managing Director, DeLaval Inc. – Canada. “We need to see sustainability as a huge opportunity for our industry. Agriculture can go from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.’’
“We are very proud to receive this honour, said Sylvain Laquerre. “It is great to have recognition of the work we did and renews our energy to continue with our environmental practices. We must also acknowledge and thank our partners, with whom we have worked over the years.”
The finalists’ profiles and a video of the winners’ farm are available on the DFC website.
The selection committee, consisting of nine sustainability experts, was particularly impressed with the winners’ efforts in protecting the watershed and with their involvement in habitat conservation projects and their contribution to the advancement of new practices. The Sylvain Laquerre farm adopted these practices with the aim of reducing their environmental footprint.
The other two finalists, namely Terryland Farms Inc. (Ontario) and Rimrose Dairy Ltd. (Alberta), will also receive a trophy and a $1,000 prize during the annual general meeting of their respective provinces within the next few months.
For information:
Thérèse Beaulieu
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
Dairy Farmers of Canada
613-371-5023