Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) 2022-2023 board and executive election took place in a member-wide annual meeting and subsequent board meeting.
Bonnie den Haan has been re-elected for the third time as Chair of the board for a one-year term.
“Farm & Food Care Ontario’s efforts to promote the work of farmers and food processors are so vital,” says Bonnie den Haan.
As chair over the last two years, I have been overwhelmed by the positive energy in the agricultural industry; especially when we work together, we can achieve amazing results. I am very much looking forward to expanding the reach of our initiatives this year.”
Re-elected directors include:
- Crispin Calvin as first Vice chair - nominated by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
- Janelle Cardiff as second Vice Chair - nominated by Egg Farmers of Ontario
- John Taylor as Treasurer – nominated by the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association
The newly elected directors in the board’s Livestock, Crop/Horticulture and At Large categories include:
- Mark Hamel, Dairy Farmers of Ontario
- Steve Lake, Grain Farmers of Ontario
- Anrea Veldhuizen, Chicken Farmers of Ontario
Returning members of the Board of Directors include:
- Joe Hickson, Ontario Seed Growers’ Association
- Brian Gilroy, Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association
- Quintin McEwen, Ontario Sheep Farmers
- Holly McGill, Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd.
- Jennifer Mitchell, Mushrooms Canada
- Jason Leblond, Beef Farmers of Ontario (Ex Officio)
The following retiring directors were thanked for their years of service and commitment to the organization.
- Richard Blyleven, Christian Farms Federation of Ontario
- Josh Boersen, Grain Farmers of Ontario
- Jordan Fois, Chicken Farmers of Ontario
At the FFCO’s annual business meeting, a new Member Forum was established to replace two existing member councils – Farm Animal Care and Farm Environmental Councils. It will consist of FFCO’s Platinum, Gold and Silver members.
This new Member Forum will meet three or four times annually and feature topics and speakers across all areas of work including animal care, environment, and public trust.
Chairs for this new forum will be selected at tis first meeting in June.