Grain Farmers of Ontario has elected Brendan Byrne as its new chair of the board of directors.
Byrne is the District Director for District 1 (Essex) and has served on the Board since 2015. He farms with his father and family in Essex County.
Why it matters: Grain Farmers of Ontario is the largest farmer commodity board in Ontario.
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“I’m honoured to be elected the next chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario board of directors and commit to building upon this organization’s 10 years of being a dedicated, strong voice in agriculture,” he said.
“I look forward to advocating for the broad, varied spectrum of all of our farmer-members to ensure they have opportunities to build successful family businesses in Ontario that produce high-quality, locally grown grains that are nutritious and affordable across our province, nation and internationally,” said Byrne.
Grain Farmers of Ontario also has a new executive committee of the board. Along with Byrne, Jeff Harrison, director for District 12 (Durham, Northumberland, Kawartha, Peterborough, Hastings) and Scott Persall, director for District 5 (Elgin and Norfolk) will serve as vice chairs, and Josh Boersen, director for District 9 (Perth) is the executive member.
Byrne replaces Markus Haerle who served as chair of the board for three years.
