Paul Lomond
Paul Lomond鈥檚 vision and pioneering spirit have transformed the berry industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through collaboration and innovation Paul has made a significant impact on horticultural production and the people the industry supports.
In 1944, Paul was born in the community of Stephenville. He attended vocational school and began his first career as an electrician. After 24 years with Bowater Mills, Paul embraced his life-long interest in agriculture when, in 1985, he began the development of a commercial farm enterprise. The vision and commitment of Paul and his wife Shirley would eventually make Lomond Farms one of the largest fruit and vegetable operators in the province. With three locations on 105 acres, the farm and its U-Pick support the demands of the local community and supermarkets, supplying strawberries, raspberries, sea buckthorn, plums, high bush berries, cranberries, carrots, cabbage, pumpkins, sweet corn, and tomatoes.
Perhaps Paul鈥檚 greatest contribution to the province鈥檚 horticulture industry has been the introduction of new berry crops for commercial use. Through collaboration with producers across North America, he has been instrumental in taking the province鈥檚 strawberry production from a small cottage industry to a large, main stream enterprise. As one of the original producers involved in research and development, Paul helped to transform cranberry production into a viable commercial activity in Newfoundland and Labrador. He has also assisted in the introduction of half high blueberries, partridge berries, sea buckthorns, and black currents to the province.
Paul鈥檚 forward-thinking nature and entrepreneurial boldness has led to the adoption of innovative methods of enhancing the industry. Row crop covers, high and low tunnels, and drip irrigation on a commercial scale were introduced through Paul鈥檚 leadership. In the true spirit of community support and a commitment to growing the industry, Paul passes along his knowledge and experience to other producers. The province鈥檚 fruit and vegetable industry is stronger thanks to his mentorship and dedication.
Paul helped advance the horticulture industry through his involvement on numerous boards, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture and the Newfoundland and Labrador Farm Industry Review Board. He has served multiple terms with the Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council since it was established in the late 1980s. He is also a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Cranberry Association.
In addition to his service to agriculture, Paul also gives generously to his community of Steady Brook. He has served six years on the local town council, and one term as Mayor. He also volunteered with the fire department, where during six of his 14 years of service he held the position of fire chief. Now semi-retired, Paul continues to mentor local farmers, attend to his cranberry production, and spend time with his wife Shirley and daughter Susan.
Nominated by Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council for his contributions to the growth of the province鈥檚 horticulture industry and his dedicated support of fellow producers, Paul Lomond is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.