Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame: Five area growers named to farm shrine

Five more people have been inducted to the Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame for their longstanding involvement and contributions.

John Jaques, a Thamesville-area asparagus farmer for more than 40 years, North Buxton farmers Bryan and Shannon Prince and the late Bill and Jean Sloan, Christmas tree farmers from the Bothwell area, were inducted at a ceremony at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club Tuesday.

Biographies of the newest inductees were read during the ceremony.

Jaques, 74, was recognized for his substantial contributions to agriculture as an industry leader in technological and policy advancements. His accomplishments include implementing proven marketing strategies and creating disaster coverage programs and sustainability initiatives.

Jaques is credited for his tireless support of Ontario’s asparagus industry hard work to develop horticulture support programs across Canada.

“He was a driving force behind the SDRM (self-directed risk management) program . . . to provide support for other crops that are not well covered under the traditional crop insurance program,” wrote Brandon Yott, executive director of the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario.

Jaques said being inducted into the Hall of Fame is “certainly special, I was surprised.”

He said when attending meetings in Toronto, Ottawa and across Canada, this kind of honour was not something he thought about.