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Having three groups with three different acronyms working on the same issues didn't seem to be the most efficient way of serving Ohio's fruit and vegetable growers and marketers. So members of the Ohio Fruit Growers Society (OFGS), the Ohio Direct Agricultural Marketing Association (DAMA) and the Ohio Vegetable and Potato Growers Association (OVPGA) recently approved a merger, forming the new Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association (OPGMA), which will become effective next year.

"Fresh fruits and vegetables are becoming an increasingly important part of society's eating habits," explained Bob Jones Jr., OVPGA's first vice president. "Our industry will succeed into the future only by working together to learn how we can provide fresh, nutritious and great tasting produce to the folks who consume Ohio produce. Merging the three growing and marketing groups together provides the best opportunity to do just that."

Members voted on the change during the 2007 Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Congress, the Ohio Direct Agricultural Marketing Conference, the Mid American Ag and Hort Conference and the National Bramble Conference which took place Jan. 15 to 17 in Columbus.

Various awards were also handed out for exemplary service during the congress, and two college students received scholarships to help them further their careers in vegetable production. Bob and Bud Rockwell of northeast Ohio won Distinguished Service Awards while Ohio State University students Ryan Edwards of Union City and Anna Leis of Germantown each won $800 scholarship prizes. The Ohio Direct Agricultural Marketing Association recognized Mapleside Farms for longevity in the association and exemplary direct marketing business practices.

Congress guest speaker Chuck Mohler, known as Sweet Corn Charlie, taught attendees about Israeli farming practices to give them ideas on better ways to use the land and to extend growing seasons. Mohler, an Indiana farmer, uses high tunnels and grafting techniques to produce sweet corn, watermelon and cantaloupes by the Fourth of July holiday.

Workshops at the event included disease management and organic crop production, an experienced supervisors hiring workshop, labor and immigration compliance, advanced retail concepts technology, updates on preventing E. coli outbreaks and berries and their role in cancer prevention.

"This is such a large conference every year that gives fruit and vegetable growers more information about their areas of expertise and allows them a chance to meet and learn from other growers," said OFGS President Jeff MacQueen.

Caption: Chuck Mohler, aka Sweet Corn Charlie, explained how Israeli farming techniques have influenced how he farms. Mohler uses high tunnels to have sweet corn in grocery stores before the Fourth of July.