The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) has announced in a press release the appointment of Don Taylor as chair of the board, effective 1 November 2010.
Mr Taylor, of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC), replaces current chairman Len Roozen, who has led the OGVG board for the past three years.
“Don comes to OGVG after a 32-year career with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA),” the statement said.
Mr Taylor was a member of OMAFRA’s executive committee for eight years with assistant Deputy Minister responsibility for agriculture and food research, agricultural advisory service delivery and economic development and regulatory programming targeting Ontario’s food industry.
During this period, he also served as the chairman of the Farm Products Marketing Commission and as OMAFRA’s Chief Administrative Officer.
Prior to this, Mr Taylor served in various senior management capacities including Director of Livestock Technology, Regional Director for Eastern Ontario, and Director of the Ministry colleges and research stations at New Liskeard and Ridgetown.
He has also served on many industry and cross-government committees working on topics ranging from research and development to finance and administration.
“The OGVG Board was active in the process of selection for Chair,” said OGVG Vice-Chair Jan VanderHout. “Don will be a great asset for OGVG.”
“Don’s previous experience and skill set made him an excellent candidate for Chair,” added OGVG Vice-Chair Jim Slater. “We are very pleased to welcome him to the Board.”
Mr Taylor is a graduate from the University of Guelph with a BSc. in Agriculture, and also holds an MSc in Agriculture from the University of Alberta.
