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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2022
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers – New Executive Director
LEAMINGTON, ON – Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) are pleased to announce that following an extensive search, Mr. Richard Lee will assume the role of Executive Director effective January 2, 2023.
Mr. Lee has been a sixteen-year member of the OGVG team where most recently he has been serving the organization as Senior Manager of Operations and Compliance. “OGVG is very pleased to have Mr. Lee take this critical leadership role for our organization at this time. We believe his knowledge and experience with our members and stakeholders will provide a seamless transition moving into the future” said Rick Mastronardi, District 1 Vice Chair of OGVG.
“His years of dedication, commitment and determination will be an added benefit to the sector as he takes over the role of Executive Director” added District 2 Vice Chair Kevin Safrance. Mr. Lee brings over 30 years of management and leadership experience in addition to his experience of working closely with retiring Executive Director, Joseph Sbrocchi. The OGVG is confident that he is well prepared to understand the opportunities, challenges, and dynamics of this growing agricultural sector.
“I am flattered to have been chosen to take on this new role and the responsibilities associated to the position.” said Lee. “It is truly an honour to lead our staff, and members into some of the most difficult times when inflation and increasing regulation aims to challenge the livelihood of farmers in Ontario. Greenhouse vegetable growers are facing unprecedented challenges trying to maintain viability and support ongoing food security in this geopolitical environment. I look forward to identifying short and long term goals that will be the focus of our office to execute in the upcoming months to create a sound foundation for new challenges that are imminently on the horizon.”
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About OGVG
The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) represents more than 170 greenhouse vegetable farmers growing more than 3,800 acres of fresh tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The greenhouse vegetable sector has grossed $1 billion in farmgate sales in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and continue to develop and implement energy efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies that enables the sector to grow year-round. Employing nearly 20,000 Canadians and being a significant GDP contributor to our communities and the province of Ontario, the greenhouse sector is poised for future growth and successes to ensure a strong and secure domestic food supply system.