Ontario fruit and vegetable growers elect new leadership

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers have elected a new leadership team, with Mike Chromczak stepping into the role of chair of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) and Matthias Oppenlaender elected as vice chair. Chromczak steps into the chair’s role after serving for three years as vice chair under now-past president Shawn Brenn.

Chromczak is owner and operator of M&J Chromczak Farms Inc. near Tillsonburg where he has been growing asparagus, watermelon and row crops since 2011 under the guidance of his uncle and with the support of his father and entire family, including his wife Jill and their children Maggie and George. He also employs 30 seasonal workers from Jamaica, who are an integral part of his farm business.

A decade ago, Chromczak joined both the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario (AFO) and OFVGA to give back to the industry that helped him establish his business and build a life for his family. He’s currently chair of the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario and co-chair of the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition.