biggs_everett

Everett M. Biggs

Rarely has a provincial Deputy Minister of Agriculture had such an impact on federal government policy in agriculture as Everett M. Biggs. During his 11 years as Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Ontario, he communicated aggressively with all provinces and the federal government to further the interests of the agricultural industry. He made an outstanding contribution as Ontario Dairy Commissioner for nine years and Ontario Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture for one year. Mr. Biggs also served as Ontario Deputy Minister of the Environment.

Everett Biggs served with distinction on the Canadian Agricultural Services Board, co-ordinating and promoting improvements in the agricultural education and research services delivered by the provinces. As principal advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Biggs played a significant policy role in the development of a vision of orderly marketing for many farm products. He was instrumental in the establishment of the overall dairy policy for Canada.

He played an influential role in the creation of the University of Guelph and the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario. During his tenure as deputy minister, Everett Biggs attended all annual federal-provincial agricultural conferences designed to co-ordinate federal and provincial agricultural policies and activities. Through these conferences he developed a special working relationship with agricultural leaders in Quebec.

After retiring, Everett Biggs remained a trusted advisor to agricultural organizations, governments and universities. He continued his leadership activities as president of the OAC Alumni Association and as chair for a study on the future of the Ontario Agricultural College.

Mr. Biggs represented Canada internationally at numerous agricultural conferences. He was honoured by the Canadian Seed Growers, the Agricultural Institute of Canada (where he was a former president), and the Province of Quebec and by other organizations for his dedication to leadership in agriculture.
Nominated By:
  • Ontario Federation of Agriculture
  • Ontario Milk Marketing Board
  • Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
  • Ciba-Geigy Canada Ltd.