THE HARVEST HALIBURTON STEERING COMMITTEE
Elsie Azevedo Perry - Public Health Nutritionist, RD at HKPR District Health Unit
Elsie Azevedo Perry has a BSc from the University of Alberta and a MSc from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in Community/Public Health Nutrition. A Registered Dietitian working at HKPR District Health Units since 2001. Elsie has developed, delivered and evaluated community-based programs to increase access to healthy foods, including local foods; poverty reduction advocacy strategies to address food insecurity; and working with staff and community partners to deliver and evaluate food literacy programming. She has also conducted practice-based research in all these areas. Her public health practice has led her to gain much experience in mobilizing community partners, fostering networking and collaboration with partners, and community capacity building. Elsie is a ‘foodie’ and is passionate about preparing and cooking healthy food that tastes good using simple, fresh, ‘right from the garden or farm’, basic ingredients. Her own family has a long history of farming, both dairy and cattle and cultivating the land for produce. Elsie loves to travel to new places and having new culinary experiences that reflect the culture and traditions of the area.
Elsie Azevedo Perry has a BSc from the University of Alberta and a MSc from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in Community/Public Health Nutrition. A Registered Dietitian working at HKPR District Health Units since 2001. Elsie has developed, delivered and evaluated community-based programs to increase access to healthy foods, including local foods; poverty reduction advocacy strategies to address food insecurity; and working with staff and community partners to deliver and evaluate food literacy programming. She has also conducted practice-based research in all these areas. Her public health practice has led her to gain much experience in mobilizing community partners, fostering networking and collaboration with partners, and community capacity building. Elsie is a ‘foodie’ and is passionate about preparing and cooking healthy food that tastes good using simple, fresh, ‘right from the garden or farm’, basic ingredients. Her own family has a long history of farming, both dairy and cattle and cultivating the land for produce. Elsie loves to travel to new places and having new culinary experiences that reflect the culture and traditions of the area.
Debbie Barnhart – Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association
Debbie’s 35 year life experience in Haliburton County has been a diamond in the rough, but multi-faceted. For the last 12 years, she has been a garlic grower, promoter and educator, as well as one of the organizers of the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association’s Annual Garlic Festival. She is currently chair of this organization. Debbie is a recent inductee to the Haliburton County Master Gardeners and will write her certification in December 2018. As a member of Harvest Haliburton, she represents the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association and assists with the Harvest Haliburton quarterly newsletter.
In September 2018, Debbie will finally move to her forever home in Carnarvon where she will establish her “You Can Grow!” hands-on educational space. She will also be expanding her garlic operations to 10,000 heart-healthy bulbs with workshops, field days, and info sessions on all things garlic and their connections.
Debbie’s 35 year life experience in Haliburton County has been a diamond in the rough, but multi-faceted. For the last 12 years, she has been a garlic grower, promoter and educator, as well as one of the organizers of the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association’s Annual Garlic Festival. She is currently chair of this organization. Debbie is a recent inductee to the Haliburton County Master Gardeners and will write her certification in December 2018. As a member of Harvest Haliburton, she represents the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association and assists with the Harvest Haliburton quarterly newsletter.
In September 2018, Debbie will finally move to her forever home in Carnarvon where she will establish her “You Can Grow!” hands-on educational space. She will also be expanding her garlic operations to 10,000 heart-healthy bulbs with workshops, field days, and info sessions on all things garlic and their connections.
Larry Clarke - Councillor, Township of Dysart et al
Larry is a Councillor with the Township of Dysart et al, and a past Councillor with the Township of Minden Hills. Before retirement, Larry was with involved in helping companies improve management of their expenses, assets and operations. Larry’s background includes project and general management for financial, legal and government clients. Since moving to Haliburton County, Larry has been a Director with the Chamber of Commerce, a Director with U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, and a Director with Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning. Larry has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and has also received certifications in IT Service and Project Management.
Larry is a Councillor with the Township of Dysart et al, and a past Councillor with the Township of Minden Hills. Before retirement, Larry was with involved in helping companies improve management of their expenses, assets and operations. Larry’s background includes project and general management for financial, legal and government clients. Since moving to Haliburton County, Larry has been a Director with the Chamber of Commerce, a Director with U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, and a Director with Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning. Larry has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and has also received certifications in IT Service and Project Management.
Catherine Oosterbaan - Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Catherine Oosterbaan joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in 2015 as an Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor serving Haliburton County, Simcoe County, and Muskoka District. In this role she supports rural communities and organizations to identify, implement and measure economic development activities. Catherine has been working in the economic development sector for over 10 years, conducting research and working at local and regional municipal governments prior to the province. She has supported a number of initiatives to strengthen the agri-food sector in rural Ontario including a series of Food Entrepreneurship workshops and a related conference with Georgian College, the development of programming to support value add processing, and an agri-food sector business study in the Counties of Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce. Catherine holds graduate degrees in both Geography and Local Economic Development and is a Certified Economic Developer with the Economic Development Association of Canada and the International Economic Development Council.
Catherine Oosterbaan joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in 2015 as an Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor serving Haliburton County, Simcoe County, and Muskoka District. In this role she supports rural communities and organizations to identify, implement and measure economic development activities. Catherine has been working in the economic development sector for over 10 years, conducting research and working at local and regional municipal governments prior to the province. She has supported a number of initiatives to strengthen the agri-food sector in rural Ontario including a series of Food Entrepreneurship workshops and a related conference with Georgian College, the development of programming to support value add processing, and an agri-food sector business study in the Counties of Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce. Catherine holds graduate degrees in both Geography and Local Economic Development and is a Certified Economic Developer with the Economic Development Association of Canada and the International Economic Development Council.
Melissa Johnston - Research Consultant
Melissa Johnston recently completed her MA in Sustainability Studies at Trent University. Her research focused on the governance and management strategies of farmers’ markets across Ontario. Her project was hosted by the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market Association and in the summer of 2015, she was hired to manage the Minden and Carnarvon farmers' markets. She continues to research and advise on farmers' market best practices in the Peterborough region. More broadly, Melissa’s interests include sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and nutrition. She received a diploma from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 2011, and after enrolling at Trent, she became involved with the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program, creating a student group and advocating for the development of an experimental farm on campus. She also coordinated the Trent Oxfam donation and learning garden, teaching elementary school children about gardening, and growing an abundance of food that was then donated to shelters and food banks around Peterborough. In the summer of 2015, Melissa completed a research assistantship at Abbey Gardens, helping out in the garden and overseeing their market table. She became involved with Harvest Haliburton in 2014 and has remained actively and enthusiastically engaged in their work ever since.
Melissa Johnston recently completed her MA in Sustainability Studies at Trent University. Her research focused on the governance and management strategies of farmers’ markets across Ontario. Her project was hosted by the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market Association and in the summer of 2015, she was hired to manage the Minden and Carnarvon farmers' markets. She continues to research and advise on farmers' market best practices in the Peterborough region. More broadly, Melissa’s interests include sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and nutrition. She received a diploma from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 2011, and after enrolling at Trent, she became involved with the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program, creating a student group and advocating for the development of an experimental farm on campus. She also coordinated the Trent Oxfam donation and learning garden, teaching elementary school children about gardening, and growing an abundance of food that was then donated to shelters and food banks around Peterborough. In the summer of 2015, Melissa completed a research assistantship at Abbey Gardens, helping out in the garden and overseeing their market table. She became involved with Harvest Haliburton in 2014 and has remained actively and enthusiastically engaged in their work ever since.
Barrie Martin – Vice President, Haliburton County Community Cooperative
After a successful career as education specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources developing and delivering natural resource education curriculum and programming, Barrie owns and operates Yours Outdoors, a company that specializes in experiential tourism and offers unique adventures in nature, art and culture in the Haliburton Highlands. His company has been recognized for innovation and excellent customer service. One of his distinctive adventures has recently been selected as an Ontario Signature Experience. Yours Outdoors offers culinary tours and adventures. He is a Co-chair of the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Stakeholders Group, Past Chair of Adventure Haliburton, an active member of Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization Travel Trade Partnership, Vice-president of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative and project manager for the Hike Haliburton Festival. Barrie also provides consulting services in tourism, outdoor and ecological education, trail development and management, and community development. Barrie is Harvest Haliburton’s liaison with Haliburton County Community Cooperative of which HH is part.
After a successful career as education specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources developing and delivering natural resource education curriculum and programming, Barrie owns and operates Yours Outdoors, a company that specializes in experiential tourism and offers unique adventures in nature, art and culture in the Haliburton Highlands. His company has been recognized for innovation and excellent customer service. One of his distinctive adventures has recently been selected as an Ontario Signature Experience. Yours Outdoors offers culinary tours and adventures. He is a Co-chair of the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Stakeholders Group, Past Chair of Adventure Haliburton, an active member of Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization Travel Trade Partnership, Vice-president of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative and project manager for the Hike Haliburton Festival. Barrie also provides consulting services in tourism, outdoor and ecological education, trail development and management, and community development. Barrie is Harvest Haliburton’s liaison with Haliburton County Community Cooperative of which HH is part.
Suzanne Partridge – Councilor, Municipality of Highlands East
Suzanne represents her municipality on the Harvest Haliburton Board. She has been on Council for Highlands East since its inception in 2001 and prior to that she served a term on the Council for Cardiff Township. She operates The Secret Gardener landscaping business from her home on Paudash Lake. Suzanne has a deep interest in food sustainability and agriculture as she is a graduate of Ridgetown College of Agriculture and Technology from which she holds a diploma in Agricultural Production and Management in Horticulture and Field Crops. She also holds a certificate from the University of Guelph in Environmental Conservation and studied Political Science in Rome, Italy. Suzanne is an avid organic vegetable gardener and preserves most of her abundant harvest each year.
Suzanne represents her municipality on the Harvest Haliburton Board. She has been on Council for Highlands East since its inception in 2001 and prior to that she served a term on the Council for Cardiff Township. She operates The Secret Gardener landscaping business from her home on Paudash Lake. Suzanne has a deep interest in food sustainability and agriculture as she is a graduate of Ridgetown College of Agriculture and Technology from which she holds a diploma in Agricultural Production and Management in Horticulture and Field Crops. She also holds a certificate from the University of Guelph in Environmental Conservation and studied Political Science in Rome, Italy. Suzanne is an avid organic vegetable gardener and preserves most of her abundant harvest each year.
Heather Reid - Director of Operations and Strategic Planning, Abbey Gardens
Heather has worked at Abbey Gardens for three years. As operations director at Abbey Gardens she has learned about the local food community in Haliburton; helped to develop educational programs about growing, harvesting, and cooking food; and supported other local businesses in their efforts to promote local food. Heather participates in several community projects related to local food as well. Her background is in outdoor education, community development, and small business. She has lived in Haliburton County for 11 years and has been cottaging here all her life.
Heather has worked at Abbey Gardens for three years. As operations director at Abbey Gardens she has learned about the local food community in Haliburton; helped to develop educational programs about growing, harvesting, and cooking food; and supported other local businesses in their efforts to promote local food. Heather participates in several community projects related to local food as well. Her background is in outdoor education, community development, and small business. She has lived in Haliburton County for 11 years and has been cottaging here all her life.
Angel Taylor - Owner Operator, The Nest Egg
Angel Taylor has been active in Haliburton County on several organizations engaged in food policy and food production for years. She has been a member since 1999 of the Haliburton County Farmers’ Association and is currently secretary, member since 2009 and currently secretary of the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association and vendor at their annual Garlic Fest, coordinator and implementer of Farm Tours for SIRCH clients in summer-fall 2012, and member of the Culinary Tourism Steering Committee 2015 and of its successor organization, the Culinary Tourism Task Force 2015 – present. Angel was a founding member of the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market Association and board chair from 2009 to 2017 and, with her husband, vends at the market.
She was a member of the Steering Committee and citizen-science participant for a U-Links directed and grant funded (Agricultural Advantage Council Growing Forward-2) research project to investigate non-toxic remedies for garlic pests, 2014 – 2016 and was the contracted coordinator for U-links to oversee completion of the research project, 2016-2017. She made several regional presentations about the research which was described by one large garlic producer as provincially significant.
Angel has been engaged in small scale farm animal production starting with chickens in 1992 near Elmira, ON. She added ducks, geese, turkeys and sheep in 1999 to present in Haliburton County.
Angel was a community college professor from 1977 - 2014. One of the courses she frequently taught, contemporary social issues, included topics associated with food production and food policy.
Angel Taylor has been active in Haliburton County on several organizations engaged in food policy and food production for years. She has been a member since 1999 of the Haliburton County Farmers’ Association and is currently secretary, member since 2009 and currently secretary of the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association and vendor at their annual Garlic Fest, coordinator and implementer of Farm Tours for SIRCH clients in summer-fall 2012, and member of the Culinary Tourism Steering Committee 2015 and of its successor organization, the Culinary Tourism Task Force 2015 – present. Angel was a founding member of the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market Association and board chair from 2009 to 2017 and, with her husband, vends at the market.
She was a member of the Steering Committee and citizen-science participant for a U-Links directed and grant funded (Agricultural Advantage Council Growing Forward-2) research project to investigate non-toxic remedies for garlic pests, 2014 – 2016 and was the contracted coordinator for U-links to oversee completion of the research project, 2016-2017. She made several regional presentations about the research which was described by one large garlic producer as provincially significant.
Angel has been engaged in small scale farm animal production starting with chickens in 1992 near Elmira, ON. She added ducks, geese, turkeys and sheep in 1999 to present in Haliburton County.
Angel was a community college professor from 1977 - 2014. One of the courses she frequently taught, contemporary social issues, included topics associated with food production and food policy.
