Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board

About Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board

The Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board, also known as the Ontario Bean Growers, is a not-for-profit organization based in the Longwoods area of London. It serves as a representative body for approximately 1,000 farmers across the province who cultivate dry beans on roughly 120,000 acres of land each year. The organization focuses on four primary areas: research to improve farmer productivity and profitability, market promotions and communications to increase bean consumption, grower and agronomist relations to share knowledge on crop rotations, and advocacy and government relations. They provide resources such as bean basics—covering how to select, soak, and cook various types—along with nutritional information and recipes. Their culinary content includes dishes like Chili Beef and Bean Stew, One Pot Eggplant Parmesan Orzo with White Beans, Roasted Tomatoes and White Beans with Crispy Halloumi, Bean & Barley Risotto with Chorizo Sausage, and Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Chipotle Cream. The Ontario Bean Growers describes its members as diligent crop managers who must navigate the challenges of growing a fickle crop through innovation. Governance and policy are set by an annually elected Board of seven Directors from three bean growing districts, while day-to-day operations are managed from an office in Harriston. The organization emphasizes the sustainability of local farming and promotes the versatility of Ontario beans as a high-quality protein source for everyday meals.