John Jaques, famous for his waist-length beard and growing and selling asparagus, is retiring after almost 40 years with the Ontario Asparagus Growers.
Jaques, who has a farm and retail outlet at Thamersville, served 12 years as chairman of the asparagus board.
He is also a past chairman of Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers, chairman of its safety nets committee, past chairman of the finance committee of Canadian Horticulture Council, past chairman of the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council, director on Fox Seeds, member of the North American Asparagus committee and the inaugural chairman of the Ontario Fresh Vegetable Grower marketing boatf.
He was involved on a federal-provincial committee to develop an alternative to traditional crop insurance for fresh Fruits and Vegetables the Self-Directed Risk Management program.
Mike Cromzack, asparagus grower and chairman of its environment an climate change committee, said his “impact on the Edible Horticulture Farmers cannot be overstated. His dedication and passion for our industry have inspired countless farmers, and his leadership has paved the way for future generations.
“We are grateful for his years of service and the profound influence he has had in our agricultural sector.”
