Ontario's fruit and vegetable growers have elected a new leadership team, with Mike Chromczak stepping into the role of chair of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association (OFVGA) and Matthias Oppenlaender elected as vice chair. Chromczak steps into the chair's role after serving for three years as vice chair under now-past president Shawn Brenn.
Chromczak is owner and operator of M&J Chromczak Farms Inc. near Tillsonburg where he has been growing asparagus, watermelon and row crops since 2011 under the guidance of his uncle and with the support of his father and entire family, including his wife Jill and their children Maggie and George. He also employs 30 seasonal workers from Jamaica, who are an integral part of his farm business.
A decade ago, Chromczak joined both the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario (AFO) and OFVGA to give back to the industry that helped him establish his business and build a life for his family. He's currently chair of the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario and co-chair of the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition.
© OFVGA
"I am committed to continuing the work and progress I have seen over the past 10 years at OFVGA," says Chromczak. "Municipal, provincial and federal issues are impacting us more than ever, and OFVGA has proven effective and influential at all three levels, as well as with key industry partners. Building on that track record is a challenge for the next board, and I look forward to our team rising to the occasion."
Chromczak has held a number of leadership roles at OFVGA over the past decade, serving as chair of the Environment and Conservation Committee from 2018 to 2020, before taking on the role of chair of the Safety Nets Committee in 2020 — a position he has held through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
"The past several years have brought significant ups and downs for growers," adds Chromczak. "Through COVID, labour uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and shifting regulatory demands, OFVGA has worked tirelessly to advocate for practical solutions and strong risk management tools. I respect the history and value the strength of OFVGA, knowing it reflects the resilience and character of our growers. I am humbled to be part of such an exceptional team."
Oppenlaender, who represents the grape sector on the OFVGA board, is the organization's new vice chair. He farms at Niagara-on-the-Lake with his family, and has been chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario since 2016.
Other directors on the board are Jan VanderHout and Steve Peters (both representing greenhouse), Glen Gilvesy (ginseng), Joanne Chechalk (fresh vegetable – other), David Enns (tender fruit), Morris Gervais (small fruit/berries), Chris Hedges (apples), Shawn Brenn (potatoes), Tracy Gubbels (processing vegetables) and Quinton Woods (fresh vegetable – muck).
VanderHout also serves as chair of the Environment and Conservation Committee and Hedges has been named the new chair of the Safety Nets Committee. Ex-officio committee chairs include Bill George (Labour) and Brian Gilroy (Property, Infrastructure, Energy, and Food Safety).
