Incoming chair will strengthen province’s agri-food sector to protect Ontario farmers, businesses and consumers
The Ontario government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brendan Byrne as the new Chair of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC), effective July 29, 2025.
The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission regulates and oversees the province’s 25 marketing boards and associations for commodities like milk, eggs and grains. Ontario’s regulated marketing system helps stabilize farmers’ incomes, strengthens their bargaining power with buyers and maintains consumer confidence in locally grown products — keeping Ontario’s agricultural sector competitive, innovative and protected from sudden market swings.
“I am confident Brendan will bring bold and positive leadership to the Commission during this time of economic uncertainty in the face of U.S. tariffs,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “With over 20 years of agricultural experience he will be a passionate advocate for our province’s $51 billion agri-food sector —helping farmers work together to maintain the high-quality Ontario is known for.”
Brendan has dedicated his life to the agricultural community by also serving as former vice chair of the Presidents Council and former chair of the Essex County Soil and Crop Improvement Association. He is a graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) and currently manages a cash crop farm operation that has been in his family for over 100 years. As chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) from 2021 to 2024, he successfully navigated unprecedented crisis events while advocating for farmers and industry. Most recently, he served as an OFPMC commission member under the outgoing chair Amy Cronin.
“On behalf of Ontario’s farmers and agriculture businesses, I would like to thank Amy for her leadership as Chair since 2020,” added Minister Jones. “Over the last five years, Amy’s hard work and dedication have strengthened our agri-food sector by ensuring our regulated marketing system continues to protect our farmers and consumers. Ms. Cronin championed collaboration and continuous improvement to the Commission, and we wish her success in her future endeavours.”
During her time at the OFPMC, Amy Cronin ensured stability throughout a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently chair of the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization. She is the owner of Cronin Farms Ltd., a sow and poultry operation, and Cedar Grove Park Ltd., a sow and piglet operation.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission is a regulatory agency that reports and is directly accountable to Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. It works to support the success of Ontario’s regulated marketing system by overseeing the activities of Ontario’s 22 regulated marketing boards and three associations.
- The Commission comprises a chair, vice chair and other members, all appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of Ontario’s Cabinet. Its diverse membership is made up of producers and processors with experience in business, industry and commodity groups.
- Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry employs more than 867,000 people, representing one in nine of all jobs provincewide.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
