Greenhouse vegetable growers re-double efforts to work with the community to mitigate nighttime light glow.
Leamington, ON – Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) are moving forward with efforts to provide reasonable and effective light mitigation solutions.
The farm practices of the industry’s advanced year round production of greenhouse produce – which enhance food security and sustainability in Ontario – requires additional light and heat. At the same time, OGVG recognizes the legitimate community concerns with greenhouse nighttime glow.
As a result OGVG has redoubled its efforts to identify and implement mutually beneficial light control solutions such as better control humidity systems and integration of light-generated heat.
OGVG also appreciates the efforts of municipalities to find workable solutions to the intent behind recent by-laws enacted in the region. The organization and it’s growers remain committed to finding the right solutions for the community and growers.
“Our commitment to finding workable solutions is a priority for us,” said Joseph Sbrocchi, general manager of OGVG. “We are working with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the University of Windsor, the University of Guelph and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to identify lighting strategies and abatement techniques and technologies that can work in the unique climate of southern Ontario.”
“These research initiatives are ongoing and will provide growers with the technical knowledge needed to meet crop needs and provide more nighttime glow abatement”, said George Gilvesy, Chair of OGVG. “Our growers understand and share community concerns on the effects of light pollution to the environment”.
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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. Click for an overview of OGVG’s COVID-19 initiatives and see the following link for more facts and information.
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Mr. Joseph Sbrocchi, General Manager
T 519-326-2604 or 1-800-265-6926
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