Features Production Research
Len Troup new chair of OF&VGA

Len Troup, a life-long tender
fruit grower from Niagara, is taking the helm of the Ontario Fruit and
Vegetable Growers’ Association as its next chairperson.

Len Troup, a life-long tender fruit grower from Niagara, is taking the helm of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association as its next chairperson.

“I’m very honoured to be leading an organization that works so diligently on behalf of the horticultural industry,” said Troup. “These are trying times in agriculture and now, more than ever, we need strong leadership; leadership that has its roots in the farming community and understands the issues confronting our producers in all areas.”

Troup, who also serves as chairperson of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board, has garnered solid support from the OF&VGA’s board of directors following the resignation of past chair, Murray Porteous.

“Murray provided sound, solid leadership during a tumultuous time in our association’s history,” said Troup. “I know that we are in much better shape all around because of his leadership and I will continue to work, like he did, with our board to ensure that the OF&VGA remains one of Ontario’s premiere agricultural organizations.”

Troup farms with his family near Jordan in the Niagara peninsula. Their operation, Lakelee Orchards Ltd. grows, packs and markets more than 300 acres of tender fruit. “This is a family farm and without (my family’s) support, I could never commit the time and energy to these positions.

“Farming is an important part of our community. It’s an integral part of this province and we will continue to remind our government and this province’s residents that farming needs to be sustainable for all – most importantly producers. We are an important part of this society, and while we are small in numbers, we are large in our message. Farmers want to get paid from the marketplace – not through the government. We will not go quietly into the night.”

Brenda Lammens, an asparagus producer from Langton, Ont., was also elected vice chairperson of the OF&VGA. Other board members include Wayne Dorsey (potato rep), Jim Rickard (apple rep), John Gorzo (fresh vegetables – muck rep), John Jaques (fresh vegetable – other rep), Larry Hipple (grape rep), Bill Parks (small fruit/berries rep) and Bill Dunsmore (greenhouse rep).