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The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) recognized excellence in the Ontario produce industry at its Virtual Awards Ceremony on December 2, 2021. The OPMA presented four premier Ontario produce industry awards and for the first time, recognized Produce Heroes at the awards ceremony.<\/p>\n
The Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award<\/strong> highlights individuals who work tirelessly to improve the consumption of fresh produce through innovation and hard work. The 2021 award went to Kim Chackal from Equifruit.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The OPMA Fresh Award <\/strong>is presented to a young individual in the produce industry that has demonstrated passion, spirit and dedication towards the industry. This year\u2019s recipient of the Fresh Award is Michael Miranda from Farm Boy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award<\/strong> is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the produce industry through their efforts to improve the quality and distribution of fruits and vegetables. The 2021 award was presented to Mimmo Franzone from Longo Brothers Fruit Markets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award<\/strong> is presented to an individual who has dedicated many years to improving the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Ray Wowryk <\/strong>was honoured with this year\u2019s award, as he is a leader not only within Nature Fresh Farms <\/strong>but across the produce industry.<\/p>\n The OPMA also introduced a new category \u2018Produce Hero<\/strong>\u2019 at this year\u2019s ceremony. \u201cWe felt it was important to recognize some of the many people who do that little bit extra everyday. They may not be senior managers or CEOs, but they are vital to our industry. It\u2019s great to be able to let everyone know what a great job these people do everyday,\u201d explained Steve Dimen, OPMA Chair.<\/p>\n The Produce Heroes<\/strong> recognized at the awards ceremony for making OPMA\u2019s Christmas Hamper donations possible were:<\/p>\n