Mark MacPhail named new OPVG general manager

OPVG is pleased to welcome Mark MacPhail as its new General Manager, succeeding Keith Robbins as he retires from the role.

Raised on a family farm in Prince Edward Island, Mark brings both practical agricultural knowledge and decades of food processing industry experience to the role. He has held senior leadership positions with McCain Foods and Cavendish Farms, where he built strong relationships with growers across North America and supported a successful supply chain.

Mark is looking forward to working with OPVG's members and helping advance initiatives that support profitability and long-term sustainability. The OPVG Board believes his industry experience will be a valuable asset as the organization continues to advocate for growers and strengthen the sector.

OPVG extends its sincere thanks to Keith Robbins for his years of leadership and service, which helped position the organization for continued success.

Read the full new release HERE.

Pea harvest will be completed this week. Yields have been variable depending on the region, but harvest has been good overall.

Green and wax bean harvest started in Tecumseh in mid July, with harvest starting at Strathroy the first week of August.

Sweet corn harvest is starting this week at the Ingersoll and Tecumseh plants.

We have a busy August ahead, and we appreciate your partnership as we work together toward a successful harvest. Please continue to closely monitor your fields for weeds and any other potential issues, and ensure all pesticide and nutrient applications are entered into Agro One.

If you have any concerns or notice anything unusual, please reach out to your field representative right away.

Provided by Jennifer Thompson, Nortera

With pea harvest wrapping up, the final round of tenderometer inspections and audits for the season have been completed. Measurements from each plant have fallen within the expected accuracy range.

We look forward to welcoming Farm to Fork Food Safety back for the 2027 pea season. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office by emailing opvg@opvg.org or calling 519-681-1875.

Growers should have received their acreage measurement maps from Hartung Brothers, Inc. If you don't see them in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder. If they still haven't arrived, please reach out to Henry Voth directly to follow up.

Once you’ve signed to verify your maps, a copy is sent to OPVG for our files. We keep them on hand in case growers need access to them in the future.

As temperatures rise this season, we want to ensure employers and supervisors have the tools to keep everyone safe and healthy in the heat. Below is a list of resources to help plan ahead and respond effectively during hot weather spells.

Resources and tips for managing heat stress in the farm workplace:  

1. Understanding Heat Stress & First Aid Response – Learn how to monitor for potential health effects among your workers and respond appropriately. (https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/heat/heat_health.html )
2. A dedicated resource for agricultural workers from Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. (https://www.ontario.ca/document/resources-employers-international-agri-food-workers/environmental-supports)
3. Steps you can take on your farm to prepare for and manage heat stress risks. (https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/how-to-prevent-heat-stress-in-farming-and-landscaping )
4. General guidance from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. (https://ofa.on.ca/resources/heat-stress/#:~:text=Heat stress occurs when the,heat stroke if left untreated 

OPVG office hours

8:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Monday to Friday

519.681.1875 opvg@opvg.org