Ontario’s ag minister, Ernie Hardeman has announced the appointment of Amy Cronin to the role of chair, Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission for a two-year term, effective May 7, 2020.  

Her qualifications are substantial after serving as the chair of the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board for five years. She is the past chair of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Council, a former member of President's Council and currently represents the province of Ontario on the National Program Advisory Committee, advising government on business risk management programs.

Currently, Cronin is current vice-chair for the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization and vice chair of both Ontario's and Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers Executive. Ms. Cronin and her husband have owned and operated Cronin Family Farms for more than 20 years and have grown their business from a single, 600-sow farm to a 22,000 sow operation in multiple jurisdictions that employ more than 120 people. She is a passionate leader with a focus on collaboration.

Cronin replaces Jim Clark, who had been interim chair on January 1, 2017 and appointed chair June 14, 2017.

The remainder of the board consists of:  Valerie Gilvesy, vice-chair; Bette Jean Crews, Robert Anderson, Dan Cohoe, Cameron McWilliam and Ralph Dietrich.   
 

Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs May 8, 2020 news release