Pea planting is well underway at the Ingersoll, Strathroy, and Tecumseh facilities. The first fields have emerged and are off to a strong start, although the recent high winds have left the fields in need of some rain.

Sweet corn planting has begun in the Southwest region for Tecumseh, with initial plantings expected to start next week in Ingersoll. Bean planting is anticipated to begin in about two weeks, weather permitting.

Final grower contracts are currently being wrapped up. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience in a year plagued by many challenges thus far.

Strategic Planning Underway

The OPVG Board of Directors have scheduled planning sessions to develop OPVG's Strategic Plan for 2026 through until 2029. The Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for our organization’s future, helping to align its goals, decisions, and efforts.

We would greatly appreciate any feedback and input from our grower members as we start to develop our Strategic Plan. Please reach out to our office with suggestions, ideas, or concerns that could help shape our strategic intents and priorities by emailing opvg@opvg.org or contacting your local Director.

You can view the Strategic Plan from 2022-2025 HERE.

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Annual General Meeting in March. Your participation and input are what help guide the direction of our organization and ensure we continue to meet the needs of our members. Responses to submitted resolutions are now available. These responses reflect the feedback, decisions, and next steps discussed by the OPVG Board following the meeting. You can review the full list of resolutions and responses by clicking HERE.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss a specific resolution in more detail, feel free to contact our office. We value your voice and are committed to keeping the conversation going.

Donate surplus edible food with the Second Harvest Food Rescue service. Organizations such as farms, greenhouses and processors with surplus food can make donations to non-profit organizations within their communities.

What are the benefits of donating surplus food?

• Support your local community by feeding people in need
• Reduce the environmental impact of food waste
• Reduce disposal costs
• Charitable tax receipts for eligible donations, in addition to the Ontario community food program donation tax credit for farmers - 25% of the fair market value of the agricultural products donated

Donating is as simple as contacting Second Harvest by emailing winstonr@secondharvest.ca or calling 416-570-5803.

For more details on the program, check out this information guide HERE.

Just a friendly reminder—our office is relocating! Starting in late summer, you’ll find us at our new home.

Our new location offers a more suitable space at a lower cost, meeting facilities, and easy access from the 401 and 402. We look forward to welcoming you to our updated space.

To celebrate the move and say thank you for your continued support, we’re planning a Grower Open House in the Fall. It’ll be a great chance to tour the new place, enjoy some refreshments, and catch up with neighbours, the Board and staff. Keep an eye out for more information.

We’ve got projects in the works to continue to build awareness with Ontario consumers about the fresh from the field, local processing vegetables grown in the province.

FarmFood360°: OPVG will be partnering with Conagra and Farm and Food Care to create an immersive virtual reality platform and educational videos that offer Canadians a behind-the-scenes look at real, working farms and Conagra's tomato processing facility in Dresden, ON. Developed by Farm & Food Care Ontario, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the origins of their food.

FarmFood 360° serves as a valuable resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in learning more about Canadian agriculture. The platform is widely used in classrooms across Canada, supported by Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and provincial organizations.

OPVG office hours

8:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Monday to Friday

519.681.1875 opvg@opvg.org