ABOUT WAS: Watchurst Agricultural Services Inc.
OUR TEAM
Jonathan Watchurst
(President / CEO / Senior Agricultural Grant Services Consultant) Jonathan Watchurst created Watchurst Agricultural Services Inc. in 2013 as a way of improving the accessibility of Agricultural Grants for Ontario Farmers. Prior to Watchurst Agricultural Services Inc. Jonathan worked as a Workshop Leader and Program Representative for OSCIA for 18 years delivering programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan and Growing Your Farm Profits Programs. Jonathan also worked for 14 years in the consulting industry as well working for Long Associates Consulting Limited and as the Owner of Leap Consulting. Jonathan completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture specializing in Resources Management at the University of Guelph in 1987. Jonathan has over 30 years of experience in both the environmental and Agriculture planning industries. Additionally, Jonathan has strong working relationships with thousands of farmers in Central Ontario. |
Alexander Watchurst
(Agricultural Grant Services Consultant / Secretary) Specializing in Grant Application Services and Species at Risk projects Alexander has been a part of the Watchurst Agricultural Services team since 2017. Prior to 2017 Alexander's knowledge of Biology and Ecology assisted in the completion of Species at Risk applications (SARFIP/SARPAL) at Watchurst Agricultural Services Inc. Alexander is also a registered teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers qualified in Senior Biology and Chemistry. Alexander Watchurst holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSc) (m. Chemistry) and a Bachelor of Education (BEd.) from Nipissing University. |
Our Experience in the industry
Agriculture
County co-ordinator and administrator of Environmental Farm Plan Program & Growing Your Farm Profits Program for OSCIA. Promotion and presentations to farmers in Dufferin, Simcoe, Muskoka, Halton, Peel & York. Organized and facilitated over 300 Environmental Farm Plan Workshops for farmers. Recruiting farmers to engage in programs, delivering seminars, assessing environment on farm and following up with farmers are the major components of this position. Developed and refined skills over the past 24 years to successfully administer projects in the environmental & agricultural disciplines. Consistently met all assigned deadlines by setting personal goals to accomplish tasks within a realistic and achievable time frame. For over 7 years Jonathan has offered services for grant writing assistance for farmers large and small across the province. Jonathan has previously delivered in excess of 300 educational workshops pertaining to agriculture and environmental topics over 18 years, successfully engaging 4,850 participants. In 1988, Jonathan also worked for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food during a contract position dealing directly with farmers and those involved in the agriculture industry. The role focused on delivering education and training on conservation farming techniques. Lastly, it involved development of soils and field analysis Programs.
Consulting
Jonathan Watchurst was the owner and principal consultant of Leap Consulting (1994-2003) directing Land, Environmental, Agricultural and Planning services. Agricultural assessments, soil identification, severance justification, aggregate natural environmental assessments, agri-tourism, socio-economic studies plus much more. Preparation and participation in Ontario Municipal Board hearings. Prior to 1994 Jonathan worked for Long Associates Consulting Limited (January 1989 - July 1993) as a Municipal and environmental planner responsible for all levels of planning from initial stages to final registration. Knowledge of agriculture, mineral and planning policy, local, regional and provincial planning legislation. Preparation and participation in Ontario Municipal Board, Joint Board hearings, and public meetings. In charge of environmental concerns; including soils and vegetation identification, aggregate location and testing, and water and well quality. Project manager dealing with development and aggregate industries.
Management & Planning
Jonathan has coordinated over 2,300 environmental projects with budgets in excess of $20 million. of development applications and supporting technical reports for agency and client review. Additionally he has Engaged in public meetings, and Ontario Municipal board hearings and has worked in various roles to independently build partnerships with local, regional, and provincial government agencies and interest groups in the areas of Agriculture and the environment. Jonathan has been noted as having the ability to gain respect of clients by utilizing clear straightforward language during the educational process.
Technology
Watchurst Agricultural Services Inc. staff have extensive computer knowledge and a proficient grasp of technology. Jonathan served a member of the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association I.T. support staff over an 8 year period. Extensive utilization of data base management systems, and other computer applications while embracing new technological advances.and experience with applications
Natural Resources
We have a strong commitment and sense of responsibility to preserving and protecting natural resources and agricultural land through education in the Province of Ontario.
Information Privacy
Proven discretion and sensitivity to confidential information in all formats.
Volunteer/Community Work
- Team Leader Captain (Jonathan), Key-Note Speaker (Alexander) & Volunteers for the Relay for Life events (2005 – 2012) in support of the Canadian Cancer Society raising over $30,000.00 solely via private personal sponsorship. Publicly recognized at the 2010 Dufferin County Relay for Life event as having raised the highest amount surpassing 51 other registered teams.
- Board member - Town of Orangeville Economic Development Committee (1999- 2003)
- Committee Chair - Town of Orangeville Committee of Adjustment (1996 –1999)
- Board member - Town of Orangeville Committee of Adjustment (1993 –1996)