Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO) has announced the organization’s 2025-2026 board of directors and executive.
Stepping into the role of Chair is Janelle Cardiff, nominated by Egg Farmers of Ontario. She succeeds Crispin Colvin, nominated by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, who now serves as past chair.
Other notable elections to the executive committee include Nadine Schwandt, nominated by New-Life Mills, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Ltd., who will serve as vice-chair; Nicki Scott, nominated by the Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association; and Ontario Potato Board will serve as second vice-chair; and John Taylor, nominated by the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association, will serve as treasurer.
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FFCO’s board took place at its annual general meeting and speakers’ conference held on April 10.
Rounding out the board of directors is Joe Hickson, nominated by the Ontario Seed Growers’ Association; Steve Lake, nominated by the Grain Farmers of Ontario; Quintin McEwen, nominated by the Ontario Sheep Farmers; Jennifer Mitchell, nominated by the Ontario Hatcheries Association; Pete Overdevest, nominated by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, acting as ex-officio; Joost van der Heiden, nominated by the Beef Farmers of Ontario; and newly elected Augusta Van Muyen, nominated by the Grape Growers of Ontario; and Andrea Veldhuizen, nominated by Chicken Farmers of Ontario.
Retiring director Kelly Gubesch, who joined the board in 2023 representing Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. and subsequently Maple Leaf Foods, was thanked for her important contributions and years of service and commitment to the organization.
Frank Hoftyzer of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and Alice Van Vught of CommonWell Mutual Insurance remain in the ex officio roles of member forum co-chairs.
“I’m honoured to step into the role of chair of Farm & Food Care Ontario. Now in my ninth year on the board, including time as vice chair, I’m excited to take on this new leadership role,” said Cardiff. “FFCO plays a vital part in Ontario’s agriculture industry, and I look forward to continuing our collaborative work with farmers, agri-food professionals, businesses, and government partners.”
Vice-chair Nadine Schwandt added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as vice chair. Since joining the board in 2023, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of our initiatives, like Breakfast on the Farm and FarmFood360, in shaping public perception of food and farming in Ontario and beyond. With FFCO on track to engage a record number of Canadians this year, I’m excited to support this important work.”
FFCO’s latest annual report can be viewed here.
