Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler has announced a number of appointments to the Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council.

"The newly appointed chair, vice-chair and directors for the Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council will serve an important role helping foster growth in a very exciting and innovative sector of agriculture in Manitoba," said Eichler. "We are proud of the experience, leadership and abilities of the newly formed board and look forward to the results of their work."

The new chair of the board is retired farmer and former Teulon Mayor Ed Helwer.

Norine Dohan of the Ethelbert area has been appointed vice-chair, while Lisa Dyck, Ronalee Janzen, Louise Lachance and Raymond Wytinck have been named as directors.

Robert Muir, Garry Draper and John Sandborn had their terms expire and Erin Crampton has resigned from her appointment.

The appointments of directors Ken Caldwell and Rick Wiens have been revoked.

The board of directors for the Manitoba Farm Products Marketing Council is responsible for overseeing the promotion, regulation and management of the production and marketing of farm products in Manitoba, as set out in the farm products marketing act.