Ontario Apple Growers name new Chair

Chris Hedges of Vanessa, Ontario, has been elected as the new Chair of the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG).

After completing a year as the organization’s Vice Chair, Hedges (see photo above) takes over from outgoing Chair Brian Rideout of Blenheim, Ontario, who has led the OAG since December 2023. Past OAG Chair Cathy McKay was elected as the new Vice Chair.

“These are challenging times for Ontario’s apple industry, and I appreciate the trust my fellow growers have put in me to lead this organization,” said Hedges. “Ontario apples are a popular, year-round fruit choice, and we will continue to advocate for the legislative support we need from all levels of government to produce food in an economically sustainable way.”

Hedges is a first-generation apple grower and farms in Norfolk County with his wife. He also owns and manages Ontario Orchard Supply, selling orchard supplies to fellow apple growers.

He first served as an OAG director from 2005 to 2012 before returning to the board in 2020 and becoming Vice Chair in 2023. As a director, Hedges has been active with the OAG Risk Management Committee, as well as the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council and the Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada Apple Working Group. He was also involved with the board of the International Fruit Tree Association for many years.

Near Port Perry, McKay and her husband Marvin Stevenson grow 22 apple varieties on their Nature’s Bounty Farm, a pick-your-own business that also includes a seasonal farm market and agritourism activities. McKay first joined the OAG board as a director in 2005, and after serving several years as Vice Chair, became the OAG Chair in 2019, a role she held until 2023.

The OAG Chair is elected annually. In addition to Hedges and McKay, the OAG board includes directors Keith Wright, Jeremy Veens, Joe Van De Gevel, Brian Gilroy, Kyle Ardiel, Robert Shuh, Kara Pate, and Quinton Gibson.

The Ontario Apple Growers represent the province’s 200 commercial apple farmers. Visit www.onapples.com.