OPGMA holds successful Produce Network

The Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association held its annual Ohio Produce Network on Jan. 16-17, 2019 at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio.

President Aaron Buurma of Buurma Farms in Willard, Ohio presided over the convention. Champaign Berry Farm of Urbana, Ohio won the Value Added Product Tasting with their Black Raspberry Jam entry. This contest is where growers at the Ohio Produce Network votes for their favorite jam, salsa, jelly, or specialty product. Lynd Fruit Farm of Pataskala, Ohio won the annual cider contest with their  EverCrisp Gold Rush entry.

This year the Ohio Produce Network featured 56 different educational sessions, a membership meeting, keynote address by Wendy’s Chief Communications Officer, Liliana Esposito, sold out industry trade show, and a few hands-on sessions.

Cathy Pullins of Champaign Berry Farm in Urbana, Ohio will serve as the organization’s president with Alex Buck of Fruit Growers Marketing Association in Newcomerstown, Ohio as vice-president. Aaron Buurma of Buurma Farms in Willard, Ohio will serve as past president with Kerry Sullivan of Jacquemin Farms LLC in Plain City, Ohio as secretary/treasurer.

The Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association is a non-profit organization that works for the betterment of the produce industry in Ohio. For more information about the organization, visit the OPGMA website at www.opgma.org