Mark Wales, Alymer-area vegetable producer was recently elected president of the largest general farm organization in Canada, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).
Long-time Board member and industry leader, Wales brings an extensive portfolio of experience to his new position.
Wales was elected at OFA’s annual general meeting and convention recently held in Toronto.
Joining Wales on the executive are Don McCabe and Debra Pretty-Straathof as vice presidents and returning executive member Keith Currie.
Looking ahead, Wales told OFA delegates that he will work on their behalf to ensure election promises made by both federal and provincial parties are upheld. And he will engage politicians and policy advisors in developing solutions to agricultural issues and challenges.
Wales plans to work with all agri-food partners, including commodity groups, OFA members, the general public and industry organizations, to achieve results.
“Our strength as an organization is in our ability to find the best solutions for all our members using all of our resources,” Wales said. “Today’s farmer needs to be sustainable in order to be successful in the futures. That means productive, profitable and secure farming operations. And I will continue to advocate this message throughout the coming year as I work with the OFA team and together we will deliver results to our members.”
Wales has been an OFA vice president for three years and served OFA in a variety of capacities over the past 15 years.
Among many volunteer commitments, he is a member of the Elgin Federation of Agriculture, chair of the Peer Review Committee for the Environmental Farm Plan, member of the Garlic Growers Association and sits on the Elgin Stewardship Council.
Wales grows a variety of vegetables on his farm for the fresh and processing markets along with corn, soybeans and white beans.
As OFA moves forward in its 76th year, Wales says he is very optimistic about his chance to make a difference to farmers and Ontario agriculture by saying, “together, we can achieve.”
