Prowse Gorrill Chappell

Prince Edward Island

Born in 1928, Prowse Gorrill Chappell began farming at an early age on his family farm in Sherbrooke, Prince Edward Island. He ran a mixed operation which included potatoes, grain, broiler chickens, dairy and beef cattle; as well, he had his own milk route and supplied the local manor, stores and households.

The Chappell farm was successful during a time when many businesses and people were struggling to survive. His experiences on the farm provided Prowse with the knowledge of the many challenges facing farmers and of the vital role they play in society.

Secretary of the local Farm Forum group in the late forties and active in 4-H, Prowse soon became a Director and then President of the Prince County Federation of Agriculture. From there he went to the Provincial Board and was elected Island President of the Federation of Agriculture in 1976-77. His experience with the Island Federation, on the Board of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and other national committees equipped him well for his future responsibilities in government

At the age of 50, Prowse was elected MLA for Fourth Prince in the 1978 general election. He was re-elected in 1979, 1982 and 1986 via general election and was appointed Minister of Agriculture & Forestry on May 3,1979. He held this portfolio until1986. Prowse was a strong voice for agriculture in the provincial legislature throughout the course of his political career which spanned more than a decade.

Prowse was never a partisan politician, he was truly an advocate for farmers and worked to develop the industry and assist individuals. All in the industry recognized him as a strong leader and a powerful supporter of farmers and farming.

Prowse Chapell's contribution to the agriculture industry has always been focused on fair and equitable treatment and consideration for farmers and their families. Prowse has always tried to ensure that agriculture is accorded the profile it deserves both in provincial and national forums. His commitment to the development and maintenance of the industry as a whole is his hallmark.

During Mr Chappell s administration, he was instrumental in establishing the PEI Land Development Corporation, Grain Elevator Corporation and the School Milk Program.

Having grown up in Sherbrooke and still living in nearby St Eleanors, Prowse has close connections with his neighbors and a strong commitment to his community. He and his wife Bertie, have lived in the area their entire married life raising their four children there. During this time Prowse has always been actively involved in community events and has served on several local committees. He chaired a winter works program in Sherbrooke,, chaired the Sherbrooke Council, and was a school trustee. He is a member of the United Baptist Church as well as a Deacon and moderator and also teaches Sunday School. He is past president of the Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home. Further evidence of his commitment to farm and community is his close involvement in 4-H throughout his life.

Prowse and his wife Bertie raised their 4 children on the farm. Perhaps, the best evidence of Prowse s commitment to agriculture is the survival of that family farm. Prowse s eldest son, Ron, took over the farm in 1982, where he runs a beef feedlot.

Nominated by the Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture for always giving voice and credence to the concerns of farmers and in recognition of his commitment and hard work for the benefit of the agricultural industry of Prince Edward Island, it is indeed fitting that Prowse G. Chappell be inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.