Andrewes Farms, Beamsville Ontario

The Andrewes Family started farming in 1896. Chris Andrewes is the principal operator of Andrewes Farm and represents the fifth generation actively growing fresh fruit that is enjoyed Canada wide. The family farm is located in the town of Beamsville on the shores of Lake Ontario in the Niagara Region, where they grow and pack peaches, nectarines, plums, and pears.

Hipple Farms, Vineland

Hipple farms has been involved with Vineland Growers for generations. Larry Hipple is a seventh generation farmer of land that has been in the family for over 200 years. The eighth generation, son David and daughter Barbara, farm with their Dad with the ninth generation being groomed to continue the tradition. Hipple Farms is located west of Beamsville and grows a variety of tender fruit and grapes on 150 acres. They also operate a seasonal farm market where they sell many varieties of seasonal fruit.

Honsberger Orchards, Jordan Station

Mike Honsberger is a seventh generation farmer of land has been in his family for over 200 years. Along with his wife Dawn and son Curtis, Mike operates a 150-acre farm that offers tender fruit varieties including sweet cherries, peaches, nectarines and pears. This historical family farm is located in Jordan Station.

H.W. Smith Holdings, Vineland

Jenifer Smith, of H.W. Smith Holdings Ltd. and Cherry Lane Frozen Fruit is a 10th generation of farmer. Along with her father John and her son Jamie they grow and operate 500 acres of peaches, pears and cherries on their farm in located in Vineland, Ontario. The farm has been a leader of innovation in the region and has received several awards and distinctions for its contributions across the industry.

Lepp Farms, Niagara-On-The-Lake

In 1972 George Lepp, a first generation farmer, leased his father’s hobby farm and began a passionate career in grape and tender fruit growing. Lepp Farms has continued to grow and flourish in its Niagara-on-the-Lake location. In 1997 Lepp Farms was awarded the prestigious honour of “Grape King” for having the best vineyards in Ontario. Along with his eldest son Mark, Lepp Farms proudly produces and packs peaches, pears, nectarines and plums. George currently sits as Vice-Chair of Vineland Growers and continues to work on improving the quality and competitiveness of tender fruit farming.

MacSween Farms, Niagara-On-The-Lake

Scott Macsween, a first generation farmer, initially became interested in farming as a teenager growing tomatoes and harvesting cherries on his father’s hobby farm. With the encouragement and knowledge gained as a ten-year employee of Vince Pillitteri, owner of Seaway Farms and Greenhouses, Scott’s love of farming blossomed. With the help of his wife Maureen and three children, Elizabeth, Kevin and Caroline he farms one hundred and fifty acres of tender fruit and a variety of vegetables. They also operate a farm market, Quiet Acres in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Smith Vineyards, Niagara-On-The-lake

Rick Smith and his family have been part of the Niagara on the Lake community for generations. In 1993 he leased a small parcel of land from his uncle to plant grape vines. Along with his wife Cheryl, he continued to expand to more vineyards. Cheryl and Rick and their three children, continue to grow their acreage of table grapes and take pride in providing fresh, quality fruit.

Sunnydale Farms, Jordan Station

Thomas W. Platts from Sunnydale Farms comes from an eighth generation farming family, and is the fourth consecutive generation to be a director of Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd. Sunnydale Farms is owned by Tom and his mother Gladys. With the help of his sister Marie Goertzen, they operate over 100 acres of tender fruit including peaches, nectarines, pears, sweet cherries, plums, and apricots. Their operation, on the shores of Lake Ontario, also includes a packhouse and large scale cooling facilities.

Thwaites Farms, Ltd., Niagara-On-The-Lake

Thwaites Farms Ltd. has two farming locations, one in Niagara on the Lake and the other in Norfolk County. John Thwaites is a second generation grower; his father Ron began farming in 1946.  John along with his wife Jocelyn and their sons Graham, Nelson and Corbin operate 400 acres of peaches, nectarines, plums, grapes and pears in Niagara-On-The-Lake. The farm has also expanded to include an asparagus operation and offers custom packing.

Tregunno Fruit Farms, Niagara-On-The-Lake

Phil Tregunno is a 4th generation farmer and has been providing Canadians with tender fruit for over 35 years. He is also the current chairman of the Board of Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd. With the help of his wife Lorna, his two sons Ryan and Jourdan, daughter in law Melissa and grandchildren Rhys and Gwynn they operate 700 acres along the Niagara Parkway in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tregunno farms have been leaders of innovation of the industry by growing organic crops, expanding packing equipment technology and being pioneers in the “buy local” movement.

Wall Farms, St. Catherines

Dave Wall is a third-generation farmer. His grandfather purchased the farm in 1943, which is located in the west side of St. Catharines in the Niagara Region. Dave now operates the farm with his wife Judy and their three daughters.  Dave supplies Vineland Growers with peaches, cherries, nectarines, plums and pears.