Cameron Rainwater
Cam attended Niagara College and quickly took to tree propagation. He started at J.C. Bakker and Sons Ltd., learning to bud and graft within a few months, becoming proficient in techniques and grafting styles. Cam started working for Vineland Research and Innovation Center a few years later. While here, he helped local farmers and researchers propagate fruit trees based on their farm and research requirements. This is when Cam started custom budding and grafting for local farmers, creating small nurseries, and replacing orchards throughout the Niagara region. Working with farmers and giving them the proper variety with the rootstock that suits their soil is what drove him to continue. Catching the eye of Canadian Fruit tree along the way.
Eugene Penner
Born and raised on a prairie livestock and grain farm, Gene’s career in agriculture led him into the world of horticulture and has evolved into a lifelong involvement in the Canadian nursery industry. His work has included production and management experiences of over 40 years at nurseries across four provinces, including studies of horticulture at the Universities of Saskatchewan and Guelph. Whether admiring park plantings and boulevard trees across the prairies or enjoying the fruits of his labour from the trees and vines in orchards and vineyards of Niagara, Gene remains committed to the production of quality nursery stock that stands the test of time.
Christine Hardy
After obtaining her CPA designation in 2014 Christine first worked in public accounting as an independent financial auditor. During this time, she worked with a team that specialized in agriculture, gaining experience and knowledge of effective internal controls and procedures that would be helpful in establishing a successful business.
In 2016, she transitioned to the role of Senior Accountant to assist in the creation of Canadian Fruit Tree Nursery Co-operative formed by growers in Niagara.
Currently, she oversees the administration and financial operations of the nursery. In addition to her accounting experience, she provides support to growers regarding their sales orders and inventory inquiries.