Brendan Byrne Appointed New Chair of Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission

Brendan Byrne steps into leadership role to strengthen Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector, ensuring stability and growth for farmers, businesses, and consumers across the province.

GUELPH — The Ontario government has appointed Brendan Byrne as the new Chair of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC), a key regulatory body overseeing the province’s agricultural marketing system. The appointment takes effect immediately, with Byrne stepping into the role following the departure of outgoing chair Amy Cronin.

The OFPMC is responsible for regulating and overseeing 25 marketing boards and associations that manage commodities such as milk, eggs, and grains. This system is designed to stabilize farmers’ incomes, enhance their bargaining power with buyers, and ensure consumer confidence in Ontario-grown products — a crucial buffer against market volatility and global trade pressures, including recent U.S. tariffs.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones said Byrne’s leadership would help strengthen Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector during a period of uncertainty.

“I am confident Brendan will bring bold and positive leadership to the Commission during this time of economic uncertainty,” Jones said. “With over 20 years of agricultural experience, he will be a passionate advocate for our province’s farmers and their long-standing reputation for high-quality products.”

Byrne has deep roots in Ontario’s agricultural community. A long-time advocate for farmers, he manages a multi-generational cash crop farm that has been in his family for over a century. His previous leadership roles include serving as Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) from 2021 to 2024, where he helped the sector navigate several unprecedented crisis events. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) and has served in various advisory roles, including Vice Chair of the Presidents Council and Chair of the Essex County Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Most recently, Byrne contributed to the OFPMC as a commission member under Amy Cronin.

Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Byrne said he is eager to collaborate with farmers, industry stakeholders, and his fellow commission members to build on the Commission’s work.

“I want to thank Minister Jones for entrusting me with this tremendous honour,” Byrne said. “I look forward to working collaboratively, listening openly and working alongside my fellow commission members to continue the vital work of supporting and strengthening our agricultural sector.”

Amy Cronin, who has served as OFPMC Chair since 2020, is being recognized for her contributions to Ontario’s agricultural marketing system during a particularly challenging period that included pandemic-related disruptions. Minister Jones thanked Cronin for her dedication to fostering collaboration and maintaining stability within the sector. Cronin will continue her work in agriculture and research, including her role as Chair of the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.

Ontario’s agri-food industry remains a cornerstone of the province’s economy, employing over 867,000 people — roughly one in nine jobs across the province. The government states that the appointment of Byrne is part of ongoing efforts to protect and grow this vital sector, ensuring a stable, competitive market for farmers and safe, reliable products for consumers.

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