The Ontario Produce Marketing Association appoints seven board members

There’s some new blood on board: Ontario Produce Marketing Association appointed seven new board members at its annual general meeting.

As of June 9, the newly elected directors will serve three-year terms from 2021 to 2024, according to a news release.

Appointees include: Ryan Goad, Loblaw Cos.; Dan Tukendorf, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association; Madison Hopper, Equifruit; Andrew George, EarthFresh Farms; Marc Wall, Sandy Shore Farms; Amanda Knauff, Taylor Farms; and Matthew Quiring, Nature Fresh Farms.

A key priority for the board will be providing greater value to members. The OPMA will be conducting a review and working with experts, with input from members to accomplish its strategic objective to build the association.

At the meeting, OPMA chairman Steven Dimen welcomed the new board members.

“An election was held electronically with a record number of votes,” he said in the release. “Congratulations to the newly elected directors.” Dimen also recognized the seven retiring directors and thanked them for their service.

Retiring directors are: Sarah Taylor of Gambles Produce; Chris Streef of Streef Produce; Frank Spagnuolo of Loblaw Cos.; Carleigh White of WalMart Canada; Jason Verkaik of Carron Farms; Sarah Marshall of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers’ Association; and Fiona McLean of DelFresco Produce.

Also, three current directors whose terms had ended were voted back onto the board: Steve Moffat of North American Produce Buyers; Adam Donikian of Sobeys; and Julian Sarriano of Fresh Taste.