PRFN Board of Directors
The PRFN Board of Directors is comprised of farmer and non-farmer directors, committed to protecting and advancing the interests of farmers in the Peterborough region. The majority of our directors are farmers and we require farmer majority to meet quorum when making decisions.
The PRFN Board of Directors meets monthly.
We are currently seeking new directors.
If you are interested in volunteering in this role, please contact us: info@ptbofarmers.com
Applications are encouraged from individuals who can help us meet our goal of a Board that reflects the diversity of our community.
Astrid Manske
Astrid Manske runs OtonaBEE Apiary, a third-party verified, multi-generational farm in Otonabee South Monaghan. Astrid has been selling honey and bee products at farmers’ market for 12 years; managing approximately 1000 hives. Astrid’s farm also operated as a dairy farm from 1990 to 2019, where they milked 75 dairy cows. While she and her family have retired from dairy farming, they are presently expanding the apiary. Astrid served on the Board of Directors for the Villiers Community Centre for 8 years; and has been active in children’s recreational sports clubs in Peterborough County for decades. She is currently a member of the North Shore Women’s Institute, where she coordinates programming. Astrid serves as Vice Chair of the PRFN.
Dorothy Howard-Gill
Originally from a farm in the North of Ireland, Dorothy immigrated to Canada and has lived in Douro Dummer township for over 30 years where she currently shares a farmhouse with her husband Stephen. Dorothy is retired but also working on her third career (Real Estate) after working in the Environmental Sector (testing and Educational), and prior to that animal welfare. She worked at Trent University for the last 20 years and was involved in the Sustainable Agriculture Program which is part of the Trent University School of the Environment. Dorothy serves as Treasurer of the PRFN.
Julianna Stonehouse
Paul Norris
Paul Norris leads a provincial renewable energy organization based in Peterborough and lives in rural Peterborough County where he is working with the land to support agricultural and ecological objectives. As a community member of the PRFN Board, Paul’s interests are focused on ensuring consumer choice of quality local products. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Queen’s. Paul serves as Corporate Secretary of the PRFN.
SAM MCLEAN
Sam McLean is a farming retiree-in-training who has been farming for the last 28 years. He farms along with his two children, Ben and Erin, at their farms in Buckhorn – McLean & Buckhorn Berry Farm. They grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables which they sell on their farms, at farmers’ markets and wholesale. They have a PYO operation and offer on farm festivals. In his spare time, Sam loves to travel and see the world, tour around the farms checking on crops with his dog Sadie, and spend time with family, especially with his favourite (only!) granddaughter.
Scott King
Scott King runs Cedar Grove, a small scale farm specializing in garlic, with over 40 varieties, as well as mixed vegetable market gardening. Scott joined Cedar Grove in 2012, working the summers while attending the University of Guelph for Horticulture. He completed the Sustainable Agriculture Program at Fleming College in 2015, after which he both took over the business at Cedar Grove Organic Farm, and began work as the program tech, and soil sciences teacher for the Sustainable Agriculture Program. When he's not farming, he's working, and when he's not working, he's farming.
Trevor Riel
Farmer, Riel Acres Farm.
Trevor Riel runs Riel Acres, a family run farm that focuses on sustainable produce production. Riel Acres does not use chemical sprays, and only uses organic fertilizer; they are currently on path to become organic certified. Growing a wide variety of produce in fields and greenhouses, Riel Acres Farm seeks to bring the high quality produce to the market.