Chromczak and Oppenlaender Step into Key Roles
The Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association has announced a new leadership team following recent elections. Mike Chromczak has been selected as chair, and Matthias Oppenlaender has been elected vice chair.
Chromczak brings more than a decade of industry involvement to the position. He operates M&J Chromczak Farms Inc. near Tillsonburg, producing asparagus, watermelon, and row crops. He works closely with his family and employs 30 seasonal workers from Jamaica, who are essential to his farm operations.
He has been actively involved with OFVGA and the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario for many years. He currently serves as chair of the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario and co-chair of the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition. His leadership experience also includes chairing OFVGA’s Environment and Conservation Committee and later leading the Safety Nets Committee during the difficult COVID-19 period.
During the pandemic and its aftermath, growers faced labour shortages, supply chain delays, inflation, and regulatory changes. Under Chromczak’s committee leadership, OFVGA worked to promote risk management tools and advocate for grower support programs at all levels of government.
“I am committed to continuing the work and progress I have seen over the past 10 years at OFVGA,” said Chromczak. “Municipal, provincial and federal issues are impacting us more than ever, and OFVGA has proven effective and influential at all three levels, as well as with key industry partners. Building on that track record is a challenge for the next board, and I look forward to our team rising to the occasion.”
Vice chair Matthias Oppenlaender represents the grape sector. Farming in Niagara-on-the-Lake with his family, he has served as chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario since 2016 and brings strong sector representation to the role.
“The past several years have brought significant ups and downs for growers,” said Chromczak. “Through COVID, labour uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and shifting regulatory demands, OFVGA has worked tirelessly to advocate for practical solutions and strong risk management tools. I respect the history and value the strength of OFVGA, knowing it reflects the resilience and character of our growers. I am humbled to be part of such an exceptional team.”
The board includes representatives from greenhouse vegetables, ginseng, fresh vegetables, tender fruit, small fruit, apples, potatoes, and processing crops. Together, the team will continue supporting growers and strengthening Ontario’s horticulture sector through advocacy and collaboration.
Photo Credit: OFVGA-logo