Gerry Chevrier
Gerald Chevrier 鈥� New Brunswick
Nominated by the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologist
Gerald (Gerry) Chevrier鈥檚 distinguished career in agriculture is rooted in a deep personal connection to the land, cultivated during summers spent on his mother鈥檚 family farm along the Miramichi in New Brunswick. Growing up in the west end of Montreal, these formative experiences inspired in Gerry a lifelong passion for agriculture and a commitment to public service that has profoundly shaped the agricultural landscape of New Brunswick.
In 1988, Gerry joined the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture as the Provincial Vegetable Specialist. Quickly earning the respect of vegetable growers across the province, Gerry provided strategic leadership through cultivar trials, research, and invaluable technical advisory support. His ability to work collaboratively and effectively with producers became a hallmark of his career.
Promoted in 1993鈥�94 to Manager of the Horticulture Section, Gerry became the lead on the province鈥檚 cranberry development initiative. Under his guidance, the cranberry industry in New Brunswick grew from just 25 acres to over 700 acres. His leadership was central to a transformative $25 million investment in infrastructure and development that established a thriving new sector contributing significantly to farm cash receipts and the provincial economy.
Gerry also played a critical role in the sustainable development of the wild blueberry industry in the Acadian Peninsula. Through strategic planning and thoughtful land-use design鈥攊ncluding wildlife corridors, waterway buffers, and controlled development鈥擥erry helped establish a model for responsible crown land development that is still followed today.
Over the years, Gerry held several senior leadership positions within the Department of Agriculture. In 2004, he was promoted to Director of the Agri-Business Development Branch, overseeing regional delivery of extension services and programs across crop and livestock sectors. His career culminated in his role as Director of the Livestock Sector Development Branch, where he was instrumental in the creation of the Livestock Development Centre in Sussex鈥攏ow a key hub for livestock sector growth in the province.
Beyond his government work, Gerry has made lasting contributions to New Brunswick鈥檚 rural and cultural communities. He played an important role in the development of Kingsbrae Gardens in St. Andrews, representing the Department of Agriculture on its board and continuing to serve as a private citizen in retirement. He is also a dedicated supporter of the Stanley Fair, the longest continuously operating agricultural fair in New Brunswick, where his involvement has helped preserve and enrich its legacy.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the James Robb Award by the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick in 2011 and the Distinguished Service Award by the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists in 2020.
Gerry Chevrier鈥檚 career has been guided by technical excellence, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of New Brunswick agriculture. His visionary leadership and enduring community service make him a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.