Fred Finney

Fred Finney has been a significant figure in Ohio’s produce industry. Raised in Wayne County, he graduated from The Ohio State University in 1968 with a degree in Agriculture. After serving in the U.S. Army, he began working at Davis Melrose Company, which owned what is now Moreland Fruit Farm. In 1985, Finney purchased the farm, expanding it into a 125-acre operation producing diverse fruit and vegetable crops.

Finney was instrumental in establishing the Farmers Produce Auction in Mt. Hope, Ohio, and the Mid-Ohio Growers Meeting, an educational conference attracting over 1,500 attendees annually. These initiatives created new market opportunities for farmers, particularly benefiting the Plain community. His efforts significantly increased farmer income and encouraged diversification.

Nationally, Finney played a crucial role in food safety regulations. He contributed to the rulemaking process for the Food Safety Modernization Act, ensuring small and Amish farmers were considered. He also helped develop training materials for compliance. Finney’s leadership extended to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, where he served as State President, and to Nationwide Insurance’s board. His dedication to agriculture and his community has left a lasting impact on Ohio agriculture.