The agreement will give processors a more unified voice on industry issues
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Two Ontario ag organizations will work together to streamline operations.
The amalgamation between Food and Beverage Ontario and the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Processors Association (OFVPA) will also help give members a more unified voice for industry issues.
“A number of the members of the OFVPA were already members of Food and Beverage Ontario,” Norm Beal, CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario, told Farms.com yesterday. “It seemed a little bit like both organizations were duplicating each other’s efforts so, this way, we can bring the interests of the industry under one roof.”
Changes in the industry are a key reason why the partnership is necessary, the groups say.
Some businesses have consolidated, some have relocated to the U.S. and some have closed.
The agribusinesses that remain open need reliable support, said Steve Lamoure, president of OFVPA.
“We want to be absolutely sure we are doing all we can to support our industry and strengthen relations across the supply chain,” he said in a statement last week.
OFVPA is joining Food and Beverage Ontario as members. OFVPA’s board will continue to exist and Beal will assume the role its OFVPA’s executive director.
He expects this new partnership will help fortify the relationships between all parties within the supply chain.
“We’re hoping to continue to build and develop new relationships with farmers, who are our members’ primary suppliers,” Beal said. “I think everyone believes the future of processing is strong in Ontario and that starts with our growers.”
A website for the amalgamated organizations will be online soon, he added.