A humbling surprise, Bill George receives Industry Award of Merit

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association recently honoured Bill George with the Industry Award of Merit. From left: OFVGA executive director Alison Robertson, OFVGA chair Shawn Brenn, and Bill George. ~ Submitted photo

By Luke Edwards

For 30 years he’s spent countless hours in meetings and poring over reports in an effort to keep Ontario’s grape and wine, and fruit and vegetable sectors on firm ground, but Bill George is a farmer at heart.

That’s why, even as his two children take over the multi-generation grape farm in Lincoln, and dedicated workers on staff provide valuable labour, George keeps a little block of vineyard to himself to prune and maintain. Though often his other commitments get in the way.

“My workers come in and they say ‘boss, we don’t think you’re ever going to get to your block. Can we finish it for you?’” George said.

George recently received the Industry Award of Merit from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, recognizing his three decades of service where he’s sat on several committees and held leadership positions.

“Bill George has been a leader in Ontario’s edible horticulture sector for more than three decades, expertly serving growers in many different capacities with thoughtful, proactive leadership,” said OFVGA chair Shawn Brenn. “As chair of the OFVGA during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led us through one of the most challenging periods facing our industry in recent memory and provided tireless advocacy for the needs of our sector to government of all levels, media and the broader community.”

He received the award at OFVGA’s annual banquet. George said the organizers managed to keep it a secret, and he had no idea he was being honoured.

“It was a surprise and I’m really humbled by the honour. I really appreciate it,” he said.

George currently chairs the Labour Issues Coordinating Committee where his main focus is on the vital seasonal agricultural workers.

He’s also a member of the Farm Products Marketing Commission and sits on the board of Workplace Safety and Prevention Services.

The family farm goes back to the late 18th century as one of the first farm families to settle in the area. They farm about 200 acres of vineyards, and recently opened Watchful Eye Winery, as his children Will and Kate look to put their own stamp on the farm.

With the kids taking over, George now has more time for committee meetings and the advocacy side of things. However, that wasn’t always the case. He credits his family, including wife Lesliann, for being supportive of the years.

“It’s sometimes stressful being involved with these boards, so she’s probably seen the good side of me and the bad side of me after these meetings,” he said. “You certainly have to have a support system at home or it just doesn’t work.”

George was chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario from 2007 to 2016, and chair of the OFVGA from 2019 to 2022, an especially trying time as the industry had to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also had roles with the Vintners Quality Alliance, the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival and the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. In 2001 he was named Grape King.

As his kids take on more prominent roles on the farm, they’re getting involved on the governance and advocacy side too, something George encourages other young farmers to consider.

“We do need fresh eyes. We need the newer perspectives of the younger generation,” he said.

Fortunately organizations realize this as well, and are creating committees focused on younger people. Both Will and Kate have been involved: Will joined the GGO’s next generation committee, while Kate joined the OFVGA’s young delegates program.