to the 21st Annual Convention

We are so excited to bring you our world class convention this year. You may notice a different picture and name on this page from previous years’ Show Guide. I’m very honoured to have been elected as the OFVC President following last year’s convention. Our sincere thanks go to Matt Peters for his years of dedication and leadership as OFVC President.

For those that may not know me, I’m the General Manager for the Ontario Apple Growers and have been part of the OFVC Board and Planning Committee for ten years. A career in apples or in agriculture, for that matter, wasn’t a planned path for me but it’s one that I truly love. I’ve always had a career in food, starting at a company importing and exporting meat, and from there I moved to a sales position for a large bakery company and then into Ontario apples, holding several different positions over the years. I like to say that I’ve worked my way around the perimeter of a grocery store! There are so many people that make the OFVC what it is, with hours of dedication from the volunteer Board and Planning Committee to our amazing sponsors and exhibitors, not to mention all the great speakers. It is a team effort in every sense. We are also so fortunate to also have the expertise of convention professionals who keep us on track. Thank you to Glenna Cairnie, Steve Watt, and Bev Cantelon for your many contributions to our convention.

I’m really going to have a hard time choosing which speaker session to attend. Compliments go to all the OMAFRA Session Chairs who have created a comprehensive and engaging roster of topics and expertise. There is something for everyone on the speaker program and the Session Chairs have examined the issues of the day and delivered topics that are relevant to our businesses. Some of the new topics this year include sessions on robotics, mental health, engaging a diverse workforce, irrigation, labour, and soil fertility. Hopefully you’ve brought multiple people from your farm operation so that you can divide and conquer as many sessions as possible.

The trade show is once again sold out. Thanks to all the returning exhibitors and welcome to our new exhibitors! The buzz that you hear on the trade show floor is exciting and the inperson interaction between farmers with their suppliers and service providers is so important.

Enjoy your time together everyone and cheers to a great growing season ahead!

Kelly Ciceran PRESIDENT