OPVG Newsletter

November 2024

Process for Elections

OPVG is using last year's piloted hybrid model that has now been amended in the new FPMC regulations for the 2025 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 16.

Positions available

There are four positions available for 2025. The Board Member positions currently up for election are:

District 1: Adrien Pinsonneault, Chris Stewart
District 2: Carl Merrick
District 3: Neil Reimer

Nomination process

All eligible growers have been sent an email with a link to the online nomination form, sent directly from Bev DeVries (opvgelections@gmail.com), the Returning Officer that OPVG has selected for 2025 Board Member elections. If you haven't received your nomination form, please contact Bev at opvgelections@gmail.com.

Online nominations started on November 1 and close at each District Annual Meeting (November 19-21). 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 16.

If you have any questions about the election process, please contact Bev DeVries at opvgelections@gmail.com.

Crop Update from Nortera

Ingersoll is working on their Butternut squash pack and quality has been great.

Strathroy has started their sliced carrot pack and Tecumseh has started their diced carrot pack. The quality in the field looks promising and they are hopeful for good quality and yields to follow.

District Meeting Reminder

Just a reminder about the dates and times for the District Meetings this month. If you are attending, please be sure you’ve emailed opvg@opvg.org to confirm your attendance so we can plan for meals.

District 1

Annual Meeting

November 19

John D. Bradley Centre, Chatham

10 a.m.

(includes lunch)

District 2

Annual Meeting

November 20

Best Western Stoneridge Inn, London

6 p.m.

(includes dinner)

District 3

Annual Meeting

November 21

Courtland Community Centre

6 p.m.

(includes dinner)

Hartung State of the Union Meetings

OPVG is holding cucumber grower meetings this fall. We will be electing growers for the 2025 Hartung Cucumber Negotiating Committees and provide an opportunity for open discussions. Dan Hartung will be in attendance to present a state of the industry address prior to 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.

Hartung Meeting - Chatham Hand and Machine Contracts

Thursday, November 14

6 p.m. (includes dinner)

John D. Bradley Center

565 Richmond St, Chatham, Ontario

Hartung Meeting - Eastern Hand Contracts

Friday, November 15

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (includes lunch)

Courtland Community Centre

272 Main Street, Courtland, Ontario

Nortera State of the Union Meeting

Wednesday, December 4

10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (lunch included)

Best Western Stoneridge Inn, 6675 Burtwistle Lane in London

We have scheduled a grower meeting for Nortera crops that will include the election of growers to 2025 Negotiating Committees and an industry update from Nortera. 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 meeting.

2025 Negotiations

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

What are your thoughts regarding pricing for 2025?
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 opvg@opvg.org.

Research Reports Available

Every year, OPVG invests in local research to support continuous improvements for Ontario’s processing vegetables.

We also contribute to the Pickle Packers International Ag. Research Committee that works towards supporting agricultural development as it pertains to seed research, disease resistance, agricultural practices, and other emerging issues that require the attention of the research sector.

You can view all current OPVG funded research and PPI's 2024 Research Report on our website HERE .

2024 OPVG Bursary Applications Open November 8th

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 8, 2024 with submissions due by January 6, 2025.

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 $200,000 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 opvg@opvg.org.