In the midst of uncertainty about the structure of their organization, Ontario processing vegetable growers recently received a strong show of support from all three general farm organizations in Ontario about proposed changes to the governance structure of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers (OPVG).
Ontario’s three provincial farm organizations came together to pen a joint letter to the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission in support of the issues raised by the Processing Vegetable Growers’ Alliance.
“The Alliance represents farmers who grow 14 different types of processing vegetables in the province who are concerned about proposed changes to Regulation 441 that would dramatically reduce grassroots representation for our sector,” says Francis Dobbelaar, chair, Processing Vegetable Growers’ Alliance. “We are truly grateful for the tremendous support shown to our group by these three leading organizations.”
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, the National Farmers Union – Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture represent the majority of Ontario farmers, including the approximately 400 processing vegetable growers. In their letter to the Commission regarding proposed changes to Regulation 441/400, the groups call on the Commission to consult directly with processing vegetable growers regarding any proposed governance changes that would impact the OPVG organization.
“The goal of the Alliance is to restore a fully grower elected OPVG board with the authority to negotiate prices, terms, conditions and contracts for Ontario’s processing vegetable growers,” says Dobbelaar. “We are anxious to get on with the innovative plans we had in the works before the Commission dismissed the OPVG board and senior staff – including establishing industry advisory and market development committees. We welcome innovation and change that will help strengthen and sustain our industry with profitability for both growers and processors.”
Source: Processing Vegetable Growers’ Alliance