A Dundalk couple is this year’s winner of the prestigious Tommy Cooper award.
As we first told you on the weekend — Paul and Dorien De Jong received the award that’s handed out annually from Bayshore Broadcasting and the Sun Times since 1959 for their contributions to agriculture and rural living.
Paul De Jong — who was the youngest President of the Grey County Federation of Agriculture — says they are honoured to be recognized for their work.
De Jong says they are proud to be farmers and they want to share their experiences with other people.
De Jong is a member of several different farm organizations and is part of the organic farm industry.
He admits the work benefits their farm by talking about the products in hopes people will buy locally grown food.
His wife Dorien was also the first female and youngest President of the Dundalk Agricultural Society — she is also active with other farm groups and organizations in the community.
Dorien says they don’t do it for the recognition — they love to be a part of the community and they believe in being good role models.
Paul de Jong says the benefits are not always measurable but they wouldn’t be doing as much as they do if they didn’t believe in their work.
Long time Federation of Agriculture Secretary Donna Spitzig was also honoured last Friday with the Award of Merit.
