OPGA Contacts

Below you’ll find a list of Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association officers and board members. To contact any of the officers click on OPGA. We’ll get back to you promptly!

OPGA Officers and Board Members

Dan Matesich, PA President
Mark White, OH 1st Vice-President
Tony Russell, OH 2nd Vice-President
Mike Fisher, DE Treasurer
Ron Powell, OH Secretary
Dave Simpson, OH
Mark Boone, MI
Cliff England, KY Grower and Nursery Adviser
Brad Bergefurd, OH Educational Advisor
Jason Neumann, OH
Marc Stadler, OH
Gene Pouly, OH
Sue Preston Owens, NC
Valerie Libbey, OH Facebook Administrator

OPGA membership includes enthusiastic pawpaw consumers, backyard growers, and full-on, large-scale producers. Join us in preserving the history, cultivation practices, and availability of this large and tasty native fruit! BECOME A MEMBER today by completing and sending this form.

The OPGA is a not-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)5 organization. Dues payments are deductible as an ordinary business expense for federal income tax purposes. Contributions or gifts to the OPGA are not deductible as charitable contributions.

ANNUAL OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL
Mid September 2023!
Festivals, Family Friendly, Outdoor Annual Festival Since 1998!

This is a festival dedicated to the Pawpaw fruit (Asimina triloba).
Join us at the scenic Lake Snowden in Albany, Ohio for 3 days of Pawpaw music, food, craft brews, contests / races, art, history, education, sustainable living workshops and activities for the kids!

5900 US 50 Albany, OH 45710

https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/

WHY GROW NORTH AMERICAN PAWPAWS?
1. The NA pawpaw has been growing in the United States for thousands of years & is well suited to the soils and climate.
2. History shows that the native cultures that once thrived in our region farmed large plantations of NA pawpaws.
3. Existing stands of NA pawpaws are excellent areas to further develop into productive semi-wild orchards.
4. The NA pawpaw is a nutritionally superior fruit, very high in protein, fat, minerals and amino acids.

WHY NOT JUST CALL THEM PAWPAWS?
Because of the widespread interest in this species, we want to be more inclusive with its name and terminology. Here, and in all NAPGA/OPGA publications, you will see the pawpaw referenced as the North American Pawpaw, or NA Pawpaw, to distinguish our fruit from those fruits called pawpaw or papaya in other parts of the world.

North American Pawpaw Growers Association

Bringing Back Ohio's Native Fruit

OPGA Contacts

OPGA Officers and Board Members

North American Pawpaw Association / Ohio Chapter OPGA

North American Pawpaw Growers Association

Bringing Back Ohio's Native Fruit

OPGA Contacts

OPGA Officers and Board Members

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North American Pawpaw Association / Ohio Chapter OPGA