The Port Hope & District Agricultural Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization founded in 1831 dedicated to supporting and promoting local agriculture in the Port Hope region of Ontario.

History

The Society was established on January 20, 1831, following initial steps taken in late 1830 by farmers in Hope Township who expressed interest in forming an agricultural society. A constitution was drafted, and the Society became officially recognized. Early activities included importing purebred cattle starting in 1832, with breeds such as Durham introduced and sold to members at cost. By 1834, the Society expanded its agricultural support to include importing high-quality seed wheat.

This foundation helped advance agricultural practices in the region and fostered community cooperation among farmers. The Society's long-standing contribution to agriculture was formally recognized in 1945 by the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, who highlighted the Society’s more than 100 years of service to the agricultural industry.

Activities and Role

The Port Hope & District Agricultural Society is best known for organizing the annual Port Hope Fair, an event that celebrates the community’s agricultural heritage, fosters rural traditions, and provides a venue for showcasing livestock, crops, and agricultural innovations. The fair also serves as a social and cultural gathering that highlights the importance of agriculture to the local economy and identity.

Significance

As one of the oldest agricultural societies in Ontario and Canada, the Port Hope & District Agricultural Society embodies the region’s commitment to agricultural development and rural community life. The Society has played a crucial role in introducing improved livestock breeds and crop varieties, supporting farmers, and maintaining agricultural knowledge and traditions over nearly two centuries.

Business Registration: 119096840RR0001
Founded: 1831
Location: Port Hope, Ontario, Canada

(Information adapted from the Port Hope Fair history and archival records) [1][2][5].

[1] https://www.porthopefair.com/history/ [2] https://www.porthopefair.com [3] https://www.visitporthope.ca/en/things-to-do/history-and-heritage.aspx [4] https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/agriculture/strength.aspx [5] https://www.archeion.ca/port-hope?subjects=26449&sf_culture=en&sort=lastUpdated&sortDir=asc&listLimit=20