Chris Hedges has been re-elected as chair of the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG) for another one-year term, and Jeremy Veens of Lambton County becomes the organization’s new vice chair.
“I’m grateful for the confidence my fellow apple growers have shown in me by asking me to continue to lead theirorganization,” says Hedges. “Ontario’s apple industry continues to face significant challenges, and OAG remains focused on advocating for policies and programs that support a strong, competitive, and economically sustainable apple industry.”
Hedges first became chair of OAG in 2024, after completing one year as vice chair. He first served as an OAG director from 2005 to 2012 and returned to the board for his current tenure in 2020. He farms with his wife near Vanessa and also owns and manages Ontario Orchard Supply, providing orchard supplies to growers across the province.
New vice chair Jeremy Veens farms with his spouse at Veens Family Orchards in Lambton County. They grow amix of apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia, and Fuji apples. Veens joined the OAG board as a director in 2022 after serving two years as a grower committee representative and brings both production andbusiness perspectives to the vice chair role.
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