About Us

The Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board

The Ontario Bean Producers’ Marketing Board (OBPMB) is a not for profit organization that represents the interests of farmers in Ontario that grow White Pea Beans. 

An annually elected Board of Directors sets governance and policy, while the day-to-day operations are carried out by staff from their London Ontario office. 

Adapted varieties of White Pea Beans (WPB) are grown throughout Ontario from the deep southwest – Harrow/Windsor area to the opposite end of the province in the Ottawa valley.

Board operations are funded through a grower-licensing fee that is assessed against production.  Revenues are allocated to prioritized strategic areas such as Research, Communications, Promotions and Marketing, as the top ones. 

The OBPMB is but one of about 26 such boards and/or farm - crop organizations falling under the Farm Products Marketing Act which is administered by the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission. 

The Ontario Bean Producers’ has had an interesting and colourful history since its inception in 1944.  Today it remains true to its roots and origin, acting as the spokesperson for the growers in the province.

History of the Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board

To view the world of our producers, view the Ontario Bean Farmer video

About Us

Coloured Bean Growers

The Ontario Coloured Bean Growers Association was informally formed in 1985 after several winter meetings spread out over the predominent growing areas.

Growers were very supportive in the formation of a  producer organization to
address concerns about research, Crop Insurance, Financial Protection Plans, Government Support Programs, Variety Testing, Herbicide Usage and Drying and Pick Charges.  Producers were not in favor of a Pooling system or a marketing board.  With these directives, an interm board of directors approached the Farm Products Marketing Commission in eary 1986 with a business plan.  A mail-in producer's vote requiring 66% in favor of such an association was conducted and was sucessful .  OCBGA was formed under Section 13 of the Farm Products Marketing Act with a mandatory, non-refundable license fee used to support the activies of the newly formed association.