Greenhouse competitiveness supported by province

REGIONAL - A recent announcement confirms that the Ontario government is supporting greenhouse growers by investing over $3.6 million in 12 innovative projects to help develop new technologies, recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and enhance competitiveness and innovation.

Funding is being provided through the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII).

Projects are designed to focus on key areas, identified by the sector, to help drive greater industry innovation, resilience and economic growth.

Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, welcomed funding announcement of $1.83M for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers in Leamington which will go towards seven different projects.

The investment will protect greenhouses through the development of a cost-effective anti-viral coating technology to treat tools and surfaces.

Furthermore, close to $1 million in funding will also be provided to a local grower to commercially test a 24-hour, low intensity lighting system aimed at reducing energy consumption during peak hours and improve efficiency in greenhouse vegetable production.

“Ontario is rapidly expanding, and so will our need for fresh local produce,” said Nicholls. “This funding to expand, support, and innovate our greenhouses in Ontario will benefit everyone in the long run.”

“During these exceptional times, Ontario’s greenhouse operations have played a critical role in making sure families across the province can continue to put food on their tables all year long,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “That’s why we are investing in projects that will help greenhouse businesses improve productivity and adopt new technologies to address labour challenges and better position greenhouses to recover from COVID-19 faster.”

“The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers wish to thank the Minister as well as the entire Ontario Government for their support.” said George J. Gilvesy, Chair for OGVG. “Their ongoing trust and belief in our sector proves that private and public efforts can come together for the overall good.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs estimates that approximately 85,000 direct jobs and $3.4 billion direct GDP can be attributed to Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable and floriculture and nursery industry value chain including farm, processing and retail in 2019.