Brendan Byrne brings leadership to the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission
The Ontario government has appointed Brendan Byrne as the new Chair of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC), effective July 29, 2025.
Byrne will take on this critical leadership role as the commission oversees the province’s 25 agricultural marketing boards, which regulate commodities such as milk, eggs, and grains.
Ontario’s regulated marketing system is vital in stabilizing farmers' incomes, strengthening their bargaining power with buyers, and maintaining consumer confidence in locally grown products. This helps the province's agricultural sector remain competitive and protected from unpredictable market shifts.
"I want to thank Minister Jones for entrusting me with this tremendous honour. I look forward to working collaboratively, listening openly and working alongside my fellow commission members to continue the vital work of supporting and strengthening our agricultural sector," said Brendan Byrne.
Brendan Byrne brings over 20 years of agricultural experience to the OFPMC. He has been a vice chair of the Presidents Council and chair of the Essex County Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Additionally, he managed a multi-generational family farm for over 100 years. From 2021 to 2024, he chaired Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), navigating through difficult times while advocating for the farming community. Most recently, he served as a commission member of the OFPMC under former chair Amy Cronin.
“I am confident Brendan will bring bold and positive leadership to the Commission during this time of economic uncertainty in the face of U.S. tariffs,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “With over 20 years of agricultural experience he will be a passionate advocate for our province’s $51 billion agri-food sector —helping farmers work together to maintain the high-quality Ontario is known for.”
“On behalf of Ontario’s farmers and agriculture businesses, I would like to thank Amy for her leadership as Chair since 2020,” continued Minister Jones. “Over the last five years, Amy’s hard work and dedication have strengthened our agri-food sector by ensuring our regulated marketing system continues to protect our farmers and consumers. Ms. Cronin championed collaboration and continuous improvement to the Commission, and we wish her success in her future endeavours.”
Photo Credit: Brendan-Byrne