Apr 29, 2022

Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention elects new president, vice president

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC) has elected a new president and vice president.

Kelly Ciceran will take the place of president, while Doug Darling will serve as the new vice president.

Ciceran has served as vice president since 2019, and replaces outgoing president Matt Peters.

“I’m excited to continue the legacy built by the OFVC team of volunteers and lead by Matt for the past nine years. This year’s show, after a one-year absence, really emphasized the importance of in person business connections and partnerships,” said Ciceran. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing support throughout the pandemic of our many sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.”

The Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (NPFVGA) and Hort Crops Ontario (HCO) member representatives make up the OFVC Board.

Planning of the Convention is reliant on a passionate group of volunteers and OFVC staff, the group says. The Planning Committee, chaired by Kevin Schooley, includes horticulture industry representatives, growers and extension staff from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

Ciceran represents the Ontario Apple Growers on the OFVC Board. Doug Darling is the farm manager for Sunnydale Farms and one of the NPFVGA representatives. Darling became a director in 2020.

The 2023 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention will be held Feb. 22 and 23, 2023.