Village Farms International, Inc. Elects Kip Woodward as New Board Chairman

Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ: VFF), a leader in the cannabis and plant-based consumer packaged goods sector, has announced the election of Christopher “Kip” Woodward as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Woodward succeeds John McLernon, who has held the position since 2006 and will continue to serve as a member of the Board.

In his statement, Kip Woodward expressed gratitude for McLernon’s two decades of dedicated service. “On behalf of our entire Board of Directors, we’d like to thank John for his 20 years of service as Chairman,” Woodward remarked. He acknowledged McLernon's pivotal role in guiding the company through its transformation from a North American produce pioneer to a global powerhouse in cannabis and plant-based goods. He also emphasized that McLernon will remain a vital strategic advisor.

John McLernon shared his sentiments about his tenure, stating, “It has been a great honor to serve as Chairman of Village Farms Board for the past 20 years. I’m incredibly proud of our collective achievements during my tenure, and believe the Company has a very bright future given our strong financial position, competitive strengths, and the many growth opportunities on our horizon.” This transition marks the end of an era for the company, which has made significant strides in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry under McLernon’s guidance.

Woodward brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously served as a Trustee of Village Farms' predecessor, Hot House Growers, and holds various leadership positions across a spectrum of private and public companies. His current roles include Vice Chair of Cambie Surgery Corp and Director of the Great Western Brewery, along with being an Honorary Director at the Nature Trust British Columbia. His extensive background in governance and strategic decision-making will be invaluable as Village Farms navigates its growth trajectory.

Founded with a legacy of Controlled Environment Agriculture expertise, Village Farms has evolved into one of the world’s largest and most profitable cannabis operators. The company boasts an impressive asset portfolio that includes over 7 million square feet of advanced greenhouse and indoor cultivation facilities.

In Canada, Village Farms operates the world’s largest EU-GMP certified cannabis facility located in Delta, British Columbia. This facility not only supplies the domestic market but also exports to international medical markets. The company has established a strong presence in the Canadian market, leading in dried flower formats and producing some of the most sought-after strains, including the flagship Pure Sunfarms Pink Kush.

Internationally, Village Farms is one of only ten licensed operators within the Netherlands' regulated cannabis program. In the U.S., its CBDistillery brand has emerged as a leading cannabinoid wellness platform, complemented by equity interests in cannabis ventures in Australia and Germany. Beyond cannabis, Village Farms is committed to sustainability through its Clean Energy division, which converts landfill gas into renewable natural gas.

As Village Farms embarks on this new chapter under Kip Woodward’s leadership, the company remains poised to capitalize on its strong financial foundation and competitive advantages. With growth opportunities on the horizon, stakeholders are keenly watching how this leadership transition will influence the company’s strategic direction and market positioning in the vibrant cannabis industry.

With a legacy of innovation and sustainability, Village Farms is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of the cannabis and plant-based goods market.