Randy Jackiw named OPVG Chair

The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission has advised that they have appointed Randy Jackiw as Chair of the OPVG, effective November 1, 2026.

The Commission believes Randy’s leadership experience and knowledge of Ontario’s agri-food sector will be valuable assets to OPVG. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Randy has held senior leadership roles in agriculture, economic development, financial and risk management services, and public administration.

He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of AgriCorp and, most recently, as Assistant Deputy Ministry of the Economic Development Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Randy is known for his collaborative leadership style, ability to navigate complex issues, and commitment to building strong relationships.  

We would like to sincerely thank Dave Hope for his dedication, leadership, and service over the past eight years. Dave leaves OPVG in a much stronger position than when he began, and the organization is well positioned to build on that success in the years ahead. OPVG greatly appreciates his contributions and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors.

View the full press release HERE.

2027 Board Member Elections

OPVG is using the same hybrid model as last year's Board Member elections. This process will give members the option to vote electronically at District Meetings or vote online (as in previous years) until voting closes on December 9.

Positions available

There are four positions available for 2027. The Board Member positions currently up for election are:

District 1: Adrien Pinsonneault, Eric Allaer

District 2: Larry Cowan

District 3: Neil Reimer

Serving on the Board is a great opportunity to:

• Represent fellow growers and contribute to industry leadership
• Gain insight into emerging opportunities and industry trends
• Build relationships with growers, processors, and industry partners
• Leave a lasting impact on the future success of Ontario's processing vegetable sector

Nomination process

All eligible growers have been sent an email with a link to the online nomination form, sent directly from Bev DeVries ([email protected]), the Returning Officer that OPVG has selected for 2027 Board Member elections. If you haven't received your nomination form, please contact Bev at [email protected].

Online nominations started on November 2 and close at each District Annual Meeting (November 19, 20 and 25). All nominated growers will be listed on the OPVG website under News.

Voting details

Growers can vote electronically at District Meetings (you need access to your email to vote) or vote online (as in previous years) until voting closes on December 9.

If you have any questions about the election process, please contact Bev DeVries at [email protected]. 

Annual District Meetings

Just a reminder about the dates and times for the District Meetings this month.

Please click your district's register button below to confirm your attendance!

District 1

Annual Meeting

November 20, 2026

John D. Bradley Centre,Chatham

10 a.m.

(includes lunch)

District 2

Annual Meeting

November 25, 2026

Caradoc Sands Golf Club, Strathroy

12 p.m.

(includes lunch)

District 3

Annual Meeting

November 19, 2026

Courtland Community Centre

6 p.m.

(includes dinner)

Dan Hartung will be in attendance to present a state of the industry address prior to negotiating committee elections. If you are unable to attend but would like to let your name stand on the negotiating committees, please advise our office in advance of the meetings.

Wednesday, November 11

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (includes lunch)

Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn

6675 Burtwistle Ln, London, ON

If you haven't already registered, please confirm your attendance by clicking the register button below.

Each fall, the Industry Advisory Committees, composed of grower, industry, and processor representatives, come together to review the previous year’s research priorities and identify needs within the processing vegetable sector. These meetings provide an important opportunity for collaboration and help ensure that research efforts continue to address the most pressing issues facing the industry.

Following these discussions, a call for research proposals is sent to universities, research institutions and organizations outlining the sector’s updated priorities. Proposals are then received and reviewed by the Advisory Committees in early January. Based on these, the Committees make funding recommendations for research projects that will best support innovation and sustainability in Ontario’s processing vegetable sector.

If you have any feedback or comments on processing vegetable research topics, please email your thoughts to the OPVG office at [email protected].

Feedback for Upcoming Negotiations

Grower input is very helpful during the negotiation process and the negotiating teams value your feedback.

• What are your thoughts regarding pricing for 2027?
• What issues did you encounter during the season that the committee should be aware of?
• Are there any terms and conditions you feel should be addressed?

Please send your feedback to the OPVG office at [email protected].

To encourage and support students interested in pursuing a career in the processing vegetable sector, OPVG offers three annual bursaries. The application process is open November 6, 2026 with submissions due by February 5, 2027.

• OPVG Industry Bursary $1,000
• Jim Whitson Memorial Bursary $2,000
• Ken Epp Memorial Bursary $2,000

The bursary program has been running since 2001, and we have provided nearly $205,000 to students during that time.

Please share this information with friends and family. You can view the bursary information HERE or contact the OPVG office directly at [email protected].

OPVG office hours

8:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Monday to Friday

519.681.1875 [email protected]