The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) announces the appointment of four new Board members at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 15, 2022. The newly elected Directors will serve three-year terms from 2022 to 2025.

The directors joining the OPMA’s Board are: Michael Miranda from Farm Boy, Ariel Nevado from Metro Inc., Dustin Wellman fromWonderful Sales and Agnes Boutros from Mastronardi Produce Ltd.

Michael Miranda is the produce category manager at Farm Boy. Miranda has extensive committee experience with the OPMA. His most notable contribution has been his leadership in pioneering the OPMA's Young Professionals Committee as its chair. He was also awarded the OPMA’s Fresh Award in 2021 for being an up-and-coming leader in the produce industry.

Ariel Nevado is a senior buyer of Produce at Metro Inc. Nevado has more than 40 years of experience in the produce industry. His vast experience with all aspects of the produce business provides him with unique perspective that will allow him to positively contribute to the OPMA.

Dustin Wellman is a regional sales manager at Wonderful Sales, with more than 20 years experience in the produce industry spanning various aspects. He currently sits on the Wonderful Sales Canadian Leadership Team and is actively involved in product design for the Canadian market.

Agnes Boutros is an account manager at Mastronardi Produce Ltd, with more than eight years of experience in the produce industry. She will be an asset to the OPMA Board in the areas of marketing, industry influence, strategy development, and management.

The four Directors retiring from the Board are: Michael Borcsok from Greenhouse Juice; Rebecca Compton from Asparagus Farmers of Ontario; Shreenivas Shellikeri from NatureFresh Farms; and Houman Mandani from Metro Ontario Inc. 

Todd Patterson, the OPMA chair, congratulated the new board members and thanked the retiring directors for their years of service to the association and to the industry.

“Over the next year, the OPMA will be developing our 2023 – 2025 strategic plan. Government relations will be high on the Board’s list of priorities,” said Patterson.

Source:  Ontario Produce Marketing Association June 17, 2022 news release