The Ontario produce industry’s hardworking individuals were honoured at the Ontario Produce Marketing Association’s (OPMA) 33rd Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony. 

OPMA Fresh Award 

The OPMA Fresh Award, presented to an individual who demonstrates a fervent determination to improve the quality, distribution or consumption of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside of Ontario in 2024, was awarded to Cristina Di Ielsi, national account manager at Taylor Farms. 

Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award 

Cory Clack-Streef was a former OPMA president who passed away from breast cancer in 2007. In her honour, the Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals who work tirelessly to improve the consumption of fruits and vegetables in Ontario through innovation and hard work. 

This year, the award was presented to George Gilvesy, who recently retired as board chair for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association (OGVG) after many years of dedicated service. 

OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award 

The OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the produce industry through their efforts to improve the quality and distribution of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside the province of Ontario. 

This year, the award was given to Dr. Martin Gooch, CEO of VCM International, who has been a leader in covering the food waste crisis. 

OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award

The OPMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who dedicated many years of their lives to improving the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. This year’s winner is the late Sal Sarraino, CEO from Fresh Taste Produce. Sal’s sons, Julian and Christian, accepted the award on their father’s behalf. 

OPMA Women’s Produce Network (WPN) Committee Awards 

2024 marked the second year for the OPMA Women’s Produce Network Committee Award which was created to recognize women who have contributed to the produce industry’s growth and development. This award was open to women in all departments/positions within a produce organization that is a member of the OPMA, and is sponsored by Taylor Farms, Wonderful Sales, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). 

This year, two winners were selected by the OPMA Women’s Produce Network Committee (WPN), one for a woman in her first few years working in the produce industry, and the other for a woman who has been working in the industry for several years. 

Winning the award in the junior category is Jessica Wynne, sustainability specialist and sales associate from Pfenning’s Organic Farms. 

The senior level winner for the OPMA WPN Award is Jennifer Hatton, quality control manager at Sobeys. 

Source:  Ontario Produce Marketing Association November 22, 2024 news release