OTTAWA, ON – The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) have hired Matthew Perry as Manager, Policy and Communications, effective Sept. 14. In this role, Perry will develop policy in close collaboration with members and oversee communications to support a competitive domestic fruit and vegetable sector.
Perry brings extensive communications and stakeholder relations experience from roles in government—including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs and national advocacy associations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Political Studies from Trent University.
In his role, Perry will work closely with FVGC’s four Advocacy Working Groups (Trade & Competitiveness, Crop Protection, Labour and Business Risk Management) in collaboration with Working Group Chairs. He will build collaborative relationships across the membership to identify pressing sector issues and develop policy positions and statements reflecting Working Group discussions and member input. Working alongside the Director of Government Relations, he will consult members on emerging policy/ regulatory issues and government consultations 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 Stephen Heckbert, FVGC Executive Director.
FVGC advocates to ensure the voice of growers is communicated and considered in policy decisions in Ottawa.
“Canadian growers produce healthy, high-quality food, but their ability to remain competitive is increasingly difficult in the current geo-political landscape with rising input costs and unpredictable market access.” said Heckbert. “Matthew’s background in agricultural policy and strategic communications will strengthen our capabilities, helping us ensure that the government’s policy and programs support domestic food production, grower competitiveness, and farm communities.”
“Fruit and vegetable growers are fundamental to Canada’s food security and rural economic resilience,” said Perry. “I look forward to working closely with our members, working groups, and government partners to ensure our policy priorities are grounded in the everyday realities of farm operations.”
For media inquiries, contact:
Ashley Robinson
Communications for FVGC
204-799-2609
The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) represents growers across the country involved in the production of over 120 different types of crops on over 14,000 farms, with a farm gate value of $8 billion. FVGC is an Ottawa-based, voluntary not-for-profit national association, and, since 1922, has advocated on important issues that impact Canada’s fresh produce sector, promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable food, ensuring the continued success and growth of the industry.