Quinte Agricultural Hall of Fame > Harold Blair Heeney
HAROLD BLAIR HEENEY
Blair Heeney, born at Smiths Falls, Ontario was educated at the Kemptville Agricultural School, McGill University and Michigan State University.
Blair served in the R.C.A.F. from 1942-1945, conducted research at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa and was Director of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Smithfield Experimental Farm from 1960-1979.
He served on numerous Canadian and Ontario research committees and associations throughout his career. He was President of the Canadian Society of Horticultural Science, President of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, Ontario Councillor of the Agricultural Institute of Canada, and President of the Brighton Lions Club.
Blair conducted research at Smithfield on apple varieties and production with the planting of over 10,000 apple seedlings. Research was also carried out on strawberries, raspberries and black currents. Mr. Heeney authored over 100 research reports and publications.
Vegetable trials under Blair’s direction led to the development of tomato cultivars with superior colour, early development and improved processing quality.
Blair’s hobbies have included photography, genealogy, gardening, golf and curling.
Nominated by the Quinte Branch, Ontario Institute of Agrologists and Quinte Fruit Growers
Inducted 2007