For immediate release June 12, 2025: (Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) announced the appointment of its new Board Chair and two new Directors at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 10, 2025 in Toronto. The newly elected Board Chair will serve a one-year term as Chair and the new Directors will each serve three-year terms from 2025 to 2028.
The members of the Board’s 2025-26 executive include Dan Tukendorf (Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA)) as Chair, Dustin Wellman (Wonderful Sales) as Vice Chair, Steve Moffatt (North American Produce Buyers) as Treasurer, and Amanda Knauff (Taylor Farms) as Immediate Past Chair.
New Board Chair Dan Tukendorf brings expertise, a strong commitment to the produce industry and the promotion of local food to the role. He has been a member of the OPMA Board of Directors since June 2021 and most recently held the position of Vice Chair.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the OPMA Board for the opportunity to serve as Board Chair. Since being elected as a director on the OPMA Board in 2021, I have had the opportunity to work with the Board of Directors and members that represent a diverse group of organizations across the produce sector value chain. I look forward to continuing to work with the OPMA’s Board, staff and members on its mission of connecting both industry and consumers with produce related information from field to plate,” noted Dan.
“I look forward to expanding the OPMA’s partnership with student nutrition programs across Ontario and continuing to engage with the provincial government as they implement the National School Food Program funding. The OPMA’s strength is its members that represent the entire produce value chain from farmers, commodity organizations and food producers to logistics providers, wholesalers and retailers. They all play a vital role in putting healthy food on plates across Ontario and beyond.”
He continues: “The dynamic produce sector is used to operating under an ever-changing supply and demand environment caused by various factors such as weather or transportation issues. However, under the current state of trade uncertainty and disruption it is even more important for the OPMA to keep the industry updated with timely information and to bring stakeholders across the produce sector together.”
At the June 10th AGM it was noted that two Directors would be departing the Board in 2025. The OPMA Board thanked Madison Hopper from Equifruit and Adam Donikian from Sobeys for volunteering their time toward the industry and the association.
Two new Directors were elected to join the OPMA’s Board: Janis Deschenes from Highline Mushrooms and Cindy Tsen from Sobeys Ontario.
Janis is the Canadian Account Manager for Highline Mushrooms and has been at Highline Mushrooms since 2023. Prior to that she was an SQF (Sales Quality Food Program) practitioner for over 10 years, and is skilled in strategic project coordination, team development and stakeholder communication. Fluently bilingual, Janis is also a past CPMA “Passion for Produce Alumni” (2013), and has been involved in the QPMA (Quebec Produce Marketing Association) for several years.
“I’m honored to announce that I have been elected to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA). I’m looking forward to getting to work—supporting the OPMA’s mission, strengthening industry partnerships, advocating for fresh produce, and helping drive meaningful initiatives that benefit our entire supply chain. I’m excited to be part of the momentum behind Ontario’s produce industry,” said Janis.
Cindy is the National Produce Sourcing Manager at Sobeys, Ontario, and has over 20 years’ experience in the retail industry, and recently participated in the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 2025 Passion for Produce program. Cindy has also been an active member of the OPMA’s Women in Produce Network (WPN) Committee, helping plan events such as the WPN Summit held in March of this year which welcomed over 75 participants.
“I’m excited to join the Board of Directors at the Ontario Produce Marketing Association. It’s a tremendous opportunity to work with others who are equally passionate about fresh produce and the future of our industry in Ontario. I’m looking forward to contributing to the OPMA’s important work and helping to grow awareness, innovation, and collaboration across the sector, ” said Cindy.
Rebecca Harris, President of the OPMA congratulated Dan Tukendorf on his new role as Chair of the OPMA and welcomed new Directors, Janis Deschenes and Cindy Tsen to the Board. “On behalf of the OPMA Board of Directors, members, and staff we would like to congratulate you and welcome you to the OPMA Board. Together, we are building a stronger produce sector in Ontario and setting the standard for excellence in our industry. The OPMA Board of Directors will continue to drive the OPMA’s mission forward.”
Rebecca further noted that “The work of our sector has never been more important. In an era of increasing consumer awareness around health and wellness, local food, and climate-conscious practices, Ontario’s produce industry is uniquely positioned to lead. The OPMA is proud to champion this work and to help tell the story of the industry’s positive impact—economically, socially, and environmentally.”
For more information on the OPMA, please visit the website at www.theopma.ca.
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About Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA):
The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) Association is a member-funded, not-for-profit organization whose primary objective is to connect people and information from field to plate.
For more information contact:
Mary Haurilak, Communications and Member Services Manager