July 14, 2016, Guelph, Ont. – The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) will soon begin the search for a new executive vice-president.
John Kelly has resigned to pursue opportunities in the innovation sector. He has led the horticultural association since July 1, 2014, liaising with many industry and government partners on issues ranging from soil health and farm safety nets to water resource management.
“We wish John well in his future endeavours and thank him for the valuable contributions he has made in the past several years to Ontario horticulture and beyond,” says Jason Verkaik, OFVGA chair.
Kelly previously led the Erie Innovation and Commercialization initiative for four years to help diversify agricultural opportunities for growers in the south-central region of Ontario. This initiative was under the mantle of the OFVGA with other partners.
“I want to thank the OFVGA board of directors and section chairs for their support in this complex position,” said Kelly. “I will be pursuing a range of entrepreneurial activities.”
The OFVGA advocates for the sustainability of fruit, vegetable and greenhouse farmers as a nationally recognized not-for-profit association.
The edible horticulture sector supports 30,000 farm-based, non-family jobs in Ontario, as well as a further 8,700 jobs specific to horticulture and specialty crops.
More than 125 different fruit and vegetable crops are grown in the province.
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