OAG Annual Report

October 31, 2024 - Download the PDF

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

It’s been a tough year, and while I could start with the weather and crop overview, what’s on all our minds is the market and financial situation. Returns to growers for the 2023 crop were well below expectations, to say the least. Market pressures, inflation, increased production costs, and reduced consumption are all impacting the apple sector.

The OAG board continues to examine the market and the impact of imports into the marketplace. The OAG has hired a third-party consultant to conduct market analysis and develop a report on the impact that imports have on the marketplace. OAG representatives have met, and will continue to communicate, with federal and provincial Members of Parliament and their staff informing them of the market challenges for apples and the needs of the sector.

The Chair’s report wouldn’t be complete without a comment about the weather. Last winter I heard Nova Scotia describe their 2023 summer weather as “biblical”. Well, 2024 in Ontario might be considered the same with all the rain, hail, drought, and the plague otherwise known as apple scab. I never heard about locusts, but every grower can insert their own challenging pest of choice under that section. The July 2024 crop estimate for Ontario indicated a crop about the same size as 2023 however the November crop estimate is 2.6% below 2023 with 8.4 million bushels.

Our partnership and collaboration with Foodland Ontario have continued to elevate Ontario apples to the forefront of Buy Local campaigns. We greatly appreciate the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agri-Business (OMAFA) with the Foodland program. This extends our ability to share the buy local apples messaging. The OAG fall news release focused on just that – encouraging Ontarians to buy local. The theme resonated with the media and there was great pick up and I conducted many interviews.

OAG promotional activities focus on informing consumers on the availability, versatility and variety of Ontario Apples. Different tactics are used to share this message including social media, instore signage, and out of home advertising. For the 2023 crop year we increased activities, and we have a full complement of activities planned for 2024 crop. OAG has been awarded a Grassroots Growth Initiative grant funding for the promotional activities and we sincerely thank OMAFA for the funding.

The Board reviewed and worked with Farm Products Marketing Commission to update the Ontario Apple Grower Regulations. The changes include updating the definition of producer and implementing term limits for Directors. These changes begin with this year’s Board elections.

Thank you very much to the Directors and Committee Reps for their input and perspectives at our meetings. Special thanks to Vice Chair Chris Hedges for the additional time given to the issues of the day. To the OAG staff, Kelly, Larissa, and Kelle, we appreciate your dedication and efforts on behalf of growers.

Thank you to all the growers who strive to make Ontario Apples a product to be proud of!

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