Keisha Rose Topic became the new president of the PEI Federation of Agriculture at its annual general meeting, January 27, 2023.  She’s a potato grower from family-owned R.A. Rose & Sons, North Lake.

The mother of two girls is in good company, following in the footsteps of three other women leaders:  Mary Robinson, Mette Ching and Bertha Campbell.

The coming year will be focused on several issues. First, the federation has received monies from the Climate Action Fund to implement best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, earning public trust for agricultural practices will be delivered through Farm & Food Care PEI.

“Potato wart is still top of mind as an issue in Prince Edward Island,” says Topic.

Delegates passed a resolution to urge the federal government to accept the international expert panel’s recommendations that the fungus that causes potato wart  has limited presence on PEI, and that restrictions should be lifted on the movement of potato products.

Source:  Staff