Niagara grower and long-time industry leader steps into key role guiding Ontario’s premier horticulture event.
The Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention (OFVC) has named Niagara-based grower Douglas Darling as its new President, marking a leadership transition as the organization prepares for continued growth and innovation within Ontario’s horticulture sector.
Darling, with Sunnydale Farms in Jordan, Ontario, brings both operational experience and industry leadership to the role. He represents the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (NPFVGA) and has been a director on the OFVC Board since 2020.
A respected voice in the province’s fruit-growing community, Darling has maintained a long-standing connection with the Convention and its mission. His appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to grower-driven leadership and collaboration across the horticultural value chain.
“I am honoured to serve as President and look forward to working with our committee and partners to continue advancing the Convention and supporting a strong and sustainable future for Ontario’s fruit and vegetable sector,” said Darling.
Deep Roots in Ontario Agriculture
Sunnydale Farms, the operation Darling manages, spans more than 100 acres and specializes in tender fruit production. The family-run farm grows a wide range of crops, including peaches, nectarines, pears, sweet cherries, plums, and apricots. Located in the Niagara region, the farm is situated in one of Ontario’s most productive fruit-growing areas.
Darling’s hands-on experience in fruit production, combined with his involvement in grower organizations, positions him to understand both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. His leadership is expected to help guide the Convention as it continues to evolve to meet industry needs.
The OFVC Board is composed of representatives from the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and Hort Crops Ontario (HCO), ensuring strong regional and commodity representation. The Convention itself is supported by a dedicated network of volunteers, industry stakeholders, and staff.
Planning efforts are led by a committee that includes growers, horticulture professionals, and extension specialists from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA). This collaborative structure enables the Convention to deliver relevant programming and maintain its reputation as a key knowledge-sharing platform.
A Cornerstone Industry Event
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is an annual two-day event that brings together a broad cross-section of the horticultural sector. Attendees include producers, government representatives, researchers, educators, consultants, and agribusiness professionals from across Canada.
The event features expert-led educational sessions, a comprehensive trade show, and extensive networking opportunities. It plays a critical role in sharing research, showcasing innovations, and fostering connections that drive the sector forward.
With ongoing challenges such as labour availability, climate variability, and evolving market demands, the Convention remains an important forum for collaboration and problem-solving within the industry.
The 2027 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is scheduled to take place February 17 to 18, 2027, at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Earlier this year, the organization also announced the appointment of Kelle Neufeld as its new general manager. Read: Kelle Neufeld Appointed New General Manager of Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention.