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Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers have partnered with renowned research firm AIRM Consulting Ltd. to release a “Growth and Sustainable Prosperity” study for the greenhouse vegetable sector in Ontario.
The study developed and employed an innovative "Enterprise Risk Management" framework to create an analytical tool that examines the complexities of business, environment and social factors that contribute to the sector's success as well as the broader well-being of the communities in which the sector operates.
The ground-breaking study creates a new framework for addressing business risks and opportunities in a global marketplace while also considering the legitimate public interests around sustainability and food security. The study highlights key enablers and impediments. The study also demonstrates alignment with the growth agenda of both the provincial and federal governments outlining shared growth objectives and particularly significant export market opportunities.
This study outlines significant economic statistics from Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable sector:
· Creates over 32,000 jobs.
· $2.3 billion contribution to province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
· $1.3 billion to Ontario’s farmgate value.
· Over 3,800 acres of production.
· Over 80% of produce is exported to international markets.
Ontario government, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs awarded OGVG funding to complete this study through the Grassroots Growth Initiative, a program designed to enhance agricultural operations in the province.
“Thank you to the Ontario government for the support they have provided. The funding assistance has allowed OGVG to continue with our leadership role in innovation and business competitiveness,” says Richard Lee, Executive Director. “This report underscores the importance of greenhouse agriculture and our contributions from Ontario as well as Canada-wide to feed North America.” George Gilvesy, Chairman of OGVG added “Our shared goals and values for sustainable prosperity and food security make the greenhouse sector and our growers’ ideal partners for governments and communities."
You can find the complete study here and an executive summary here.
About OGVG
The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) represent more than 170 greenhouse operators growing over 3,800 acres of fresh and nutritious peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Over the past decade, the sector boasts a growth rate averaging 6%, and is poised to continue that growth. As agricultural innovators, the sector continues to research, develop, and operationalize novel technologies and applications that will continue to expand and reinforce Canada's domestic food supply system while enhancing our position as a major partner in addressing global food security.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
Richard Lee, Executive Director