Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers appoints new general manager

Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers (OPVG) are pleased to announce that Keith Robbins has been hired to lead the organization as its new general manager. Keith took over the role on Sept. 17, 2019, following the resignation of Cathy Lennon. A seasoned leader within the hog and poultry sectors, Keith brings more than 27 years of experience in management, communications, and marketing to the processing vegetable sector.

 

Keith grew up in rural southern Ontario and started his professional career as an information officer with the provincial government at Centralia College. He spent 19 years with Ontario Pork, leading the communications and marketing activities at a time that saw increased consumer-directed marketing.

 

For the past six years, Keith has been the executive director of the Poultry Industry Council- an industry-led, non-profit organization supporting Ontario's poultry sector. He has expanded education and outreach activities for the organization and strengthened the revenue stream for activities through strategic partnership.

 

"We welcome Keith to OPVG and look forward to his leadership and guidance as the organization faces changes to how we market Ontario's diverse range of processing vegetable crops," says Dave Hope, chair of the OPVG Board. "Keith's experience in other ag sectors will bring a perspective that will benefit our producer members, and we know his level-headed approach will be a tremendous asset to our organization."

 

Keith graduated from Centralia College with an agricultural business management diploma in 1989, graduated from Conestoga College with a certificate in volunteer board management in 93, attended the University of Waterloo for a bachelor of environmental studies in 93 and obtained his executive development program from the George Morris Centre in 2005. He also has his Incident Command System Level two training. Keith has a progressive approach to association management including education and extension activities, staff management, administration, finance, research experience and advocacy.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.