The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) has hired Matthew Perry as manager of policy and communications.
He joins Stephen Heckbert who was recently chosen to be the executive director.
Perry will develop policy in close collaboration with members and oversee communications to support a competitive domestic fruit and vegetable sector. It is basically a lobbying role to the federal government.
Perry has worked for Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness and national advocacy associations.
In his role, Perry will work closely with four advocacy working groups on trade, competitiveness, crop protection, labour and business risk management.
He and the director of government relations will consult members on emerging policy and regulatory issues to ensure grower priorities are reflected in formal submissions.
Perry will also manage communications to keep members informed on key files and ensure grower priorities are clearly communicated to government.
“With Matthew’s strong communications and consensus-building background and experience in agriculture, policy and politics, he will be a great asset to FVGC, and we are eager to have him on board,” said Heckbert.
