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August 22, 2022
Leamington, ON - Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) would like to acknowledge the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Flowers Canada-Ontario (FCO), who along with many researchers, growers, extension specialists and industry experts travelled to Toronto, Ontario last week for the heavily anticipated Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Symposium. This well-attended event brought top researchers from countries across Europe, North America and Israel to share insights, experiences and learning’s. Postponed from its original date in 2020, due to the global-pandemic, the eagerly anticipated event was the first opportunity to meet and discuss this virus that threatens tomato plants on a global basis. It offered a unique ability to share research, ongoing management, future potential and mitigation opportunities through many ongoing projects.
Discussions are continuing after the event to develop best practices that coordinate biosecurity approaches and responsibilities throughout the supply chain.
“We are tremendously pleased with the uptake and participation of industry-leading experts in the areas of crop research, marketing, and of course, our partners from OMAFRA” stated Joe Sbrocchi, General Manager and Executive Director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “The opportunity to connect, collaborate and discuss the current challenges and opportunities on the horizon has been long-awaited and is bearing much of what we had anticipated could lead to common understandings. Creating this on-going relationship can only help now and beyond.”
In addition to academic, government and grower participation, many allied industry stakeholders contributed to attendance, sponsorship and poster sessions. “The greenhouse vegetable sector is an economic success story, and we anticipate contributing to the province’s economic recovery as we exit the pandemic,” noted George Gilvesy, Chair of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Board of Directors. “To the many sponsors, growers, academia and industry leaders, we thank you for your contributions and look forward to continuing such collaborations.”
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
Joseph Sbrocchi, General Manager and Executive Director
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
T 519-326-2604 |1-800-265-6926
The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) represents more than 170 greenhouse vegetable farmers growing more than 3,600 acres of fresh tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. The greenhouse vegetable sector has grossed $1 B in farmgate sales in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and continue to develop and implement energy efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies that enables the sector to grow year-round. Employing nearly 20,000 Canadians and being a significant GDP contributor to our communities and the Province of Ontario, the greenhouse sector is poised for future growth and successes to ensure a strong and secure domestic food supply system.