Steve Peters has been named the next chair of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers’ board of directors.
Peters formerly served as executive director of Food and Beverage Ontario and manager of a farm market and bakery that provided learning opportunities for Canadian Mental Health Association clients, according to a news release.
Peters will become chair effective Nov. 1, succeeding George Gilvesy, who advised the board that he would not be renewing his appointment when his term ends Oct. 31, OGVG said.
“Steve’s experience at the municipal and provincial level will provide the necessary support OGVG needs to advance our sector’s interests in an effective and positive manner,” said Rick Mastronardi, District 1 vice chair for the board. “We look forward to his leadership as we enter a new chapter of OGVG history.”
Peters is a lifelong resident of St. Thomas, Ontario, who has been involved in his community for over 35 years, according to the release.
Now in a second term as a councillor for St. Thomas, he also served as mayor between 1991 and 1999. From 1999 to 2011, he was the member of provincial Parliament for Elgin Middlesex London, including the portfolio of minister of agriculture and food and as minister of labor. In 2007, he was elected by his members to serve as the nonpartisan speaker of the Ontario Legislature until 2011.
Peters also volunteers for the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank that his partner, Karen, manages.
“Finding a replacement for George has been a tireless process as we look to his successor to continue the progress and success in the greenhouse sector,” said Kevin Safrance, District 2 vice chair. “We are confident that Steve will carry on the accomplishments that have been achieved through the leadership of our outgoing chair.”
OGVG says it represents more than 170 greenhouse farmers growing over 4,100 acres of fresh peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.
