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Leamington, ON – Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) are fully supportive of the Prevention, Control and Outbreak Support Strategy for COVID-19 in Ontario’s Farm Workers launched today to by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
OMAFRA engaged it’s industry partners – including OGVG – throughout the agri-food sector to develop this collaborative and comprehensive strategy. The strategy includes a thorough framework for the necessary actions and identification of responsibilities for all participants in the sector – from government, to businesses, workers and supporting agencies.
The objective of the strategy is to collectively ensure that all efforts are made to prevent and contain COVID-19 outbreaks in agri-food workplaces. The actions outlined in the plan will ensure farms protect the health and well-being of agri-food workers while respecting their rights and freedoms. And the plan will protect business owners, their families and their communities, while supporting safe, sustainable, local food production.
“OGVG has worked tirelessly to help their members navigate the health, safety and economic fallout from the Covid-19pandemic,” said Joe Sbrocchi, General Manager of OGVG. “The continued commitment, support and collaborative engagement from the provincial government towards our businesses and workers in the agri-food sector is critical and welcome”.
“Taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to mitigation and management of the COVID-19 crisis, along with immediate and longer-term support initiatives, is the most effective way to ensure a sustainable domestic food system,” said Justine Taylor, Science and Government Relations Manager. “Our members will continue to do whatever
is necessary to protect their employees’ health and well-being while producing safe, local and healthy produce here in Ontario.”
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About OGVG - The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) represents approximately 200 farmers responsible for over 3,200 acres of fresh, nutritious, greenhouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers across the province. With farmgate sales of $950 million in 2018, support for over 13,000 jobs, a contribution of $1.8 billion to the economy and a
consistent track record of growth, the sector is a valuable economic driver for the province. For an overview of OGVG’s COVID-19 initiatives see the following link.
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Mr. Joseph Sbrocchi, General Manager
T 519-326-2604 or 1-800-265-6926
Email: j.sbrocchi@ontariogreenhouse.com
Dr. Justine Taylor, Science & GR Manager
T 519-564-4496 or 1-800-265-6926
Email: jtaylor@ontariogreenhouse.com