OFA Executive returns for another term

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Board of Directors gave Peggy Brekveld and the entire Executive Committee a vote of confidence as the leadership group was re-elected for a second consecutive term at its annual general meeting Nov. 22.

This is the second year the President and Executive Committee has been elected by the board of directors following a bylaw ratification which was voted in by the delegates at the 2020 annual meeting.

“I appreciate the support and confidence the board has instilled in our leadership group and I’m proud to represent this organization alongside our dedicated, passionate Executive for another year,” said Brekveld, OFA President. “I’m looking forward to continuing our work and collaborating with industry partners as we aim to better connect with Ontarians and advocate for issues and priorities that protect Farms and Food Forever.”

Brekveld, who operates a dairy farm with her family near Thunder Bay, enters her second one-year term as President of the organization. She also serves in the position of Director-at-Large. Along with her current role, Brekveld holds the position of president of President’s Council, vice-president of Canlead Solutions and a director with the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

In 2020, Brekveld recognized was one of six Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture. She has proven to be a strong female role model for the organization and has passionately advocated for diversity, equity and inclusion, farmland preservation, broadband expansion, mental health and promoting a strong food value chain for Ontarians.

Mark Reusser has been re-elected as vice president. Reusser, a turkey farmer near New Dundee, fills the role for his sixth one-year term. Also elected as Vice President is Drew Spoelstra. Spoelstra, who farms with his family in Binbrook, will hold the position for a second one-year term. Rounding out the Executive Committee is Crispin Colvin, who will return for his second consecutive term as executive member.

Changes to Board of Directors

Three exceptional, well-rounded, agriculture advocates vied for the vacant position of Director-at-Large. Sara Wood, a Perth County field crop and poultry farmer, was elected to the position for a three-year term.

New board members Ethan Wallace, Vanessa Renaud and Paul Maurice were welcomed into their roles in a provincial board meeting that was held immediately following the AGM. These Zone Directors will be a link between grassroots members and influence OFA’s direction as a provincial organization.

OFA’s post-secondary bursary program is an integral part of our commitment to achieve Farms and Food Forever. This year, over 50 applications were received from across the province, all of which demonstrated commitment to personal development, community leadership and a commitment to serve in the sector. This year’s bursary recipients included Allison French, Kristen Kelderman and Sabrina Van Schyndel.

A special farewell and words of appreciation were shared to outgoing valued team members of both staff and board, including staff members Laura Jeffery and Heather Derks as well as retiring directors Keith Currie (Past President), Hugh Simpson, Brent Royce and Rejean Pommainville. Each have left a lasting impression, impact and have worked tirelessly for the betterment of Ontario’s agriculture sector.