Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

Thank you to the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce for hosting a well-attended breakfast meeting with MP David Epp, bringing together business leaders and industry stakeholders from across the region. The discussion focused on opportunities for sustainable growth and community development—a shared goal for all who live and work in Ontario’s greenhouse heartland. OGVG was pleased to be a sponsor and take part in the dialogue, to connect with others who are committed to strengthening local industry and supporting families across our region and beyond. And of course… no community event would be complete without a visit from Tommy Tomato!

Our Executive Director, Richard Lee was honoured to join Parliamentarians, Canadian government officials, and key produce-sector leaders at the recent CPMA Trade Day held at the Rideau Club in Ottawa to discuss how Canada can further support the export growth of Canadian fruits and vegetables. For the greenhouse sector, this is a moment of opportunity. With global demand rising, we must align around trade, innovation, and collaboration to ensure Ontario-grown produce can reach new markets. Among those with us were Ron Lemaire (Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA)), Senator Rob Black, MP David Epp, Steve Bamford (Bamford Produce and CPMA Chair). The conversations were constructive, the perspectives broad, and the spirit of partnership strong. Thank you to CPMA for convening the sector and to all attendees for showing up with ideas, energy, and commitment. We look forward to building on these connections as we work to strengthen Canadian produce exports and support our growers across Ontario.

The Global Produce & Floral Show returns this week as one of the largest gatherings where produce, floral, tech, and supply chain innovations converge. We’re excited to cheer on OGVG member growers, marketers, and partners who will be there showcasing Ontario’s high-quality greenhouse vegetables, exploring export opportunities, and connecting with new markets. The IFPA show is expected to host over 20,000 attendees from 70+ countries, making it a significant platform for global buyers and Canadian suppliers alike. For our Ontario greenhouse sector, this is about more than visibility. It’s about: • Demonstrating our innovation and consistency in greenhouse production and packaging solutions • Exploring export pathways, trade partnerships, and channel relationships • Learning from global leaders in packaging, automation, sustainability, and supply chain Thank you to the marketers and grower brands who continue to carry Ontario’s reputation forward. We look forward to seeing Ontario’s presence well represented on the exhibit floor.

OGVG was proud to co-organize the annual Migrant Worker Soccer Tournament with the Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) celebrating teamwork, community, and the people who make agriculture thrive! This event continues to grow in energy, friendship, and community spirit each year. The 2025 tournament brought together 240 players from 12 farms, with 80 finalists competing in Greenhouse Cup championship matches. 🏆 Congratulations to our winners! 1st Place: Golden Acres (orange shirts) 2nd Place: Hacienda North (baby blue shirts) 3rd Place: Pure Flavor (navy shirts) A special thank-you to all 12 participating farms for supporting your teams and celebrating your workers: Via Verde Farm, Allegro Acres, Klassen Greenhouse Farms, Greenrise Foods, Jem Farms, H&A Mastronardi, Sun Circle, Golden Acres, Greenhill Produce, Pure Flavor, Fehrview Acres, and Hacienda North. We’re also grateful to our event sponsors for helping to make this event possible! Peoples Corporation, Ontario Greenhouse Marketers Association, Douglas Marketing Group, Koppert, Fusion Managed Solutions, Monarch, The TeamWork Project, The Rotary Club, and CPG Recruitment. The finals were a great success, with special guests including MP David Epp, Consul of Mexico in Leamington Rodrigo Báez, and MWCP Chairman Martin Varela joining to celebrate. Events like this remind us that Ontario’s greenhouse sector is built not just on innovation and sustainability, but on people their dedication, teamwork, and the communities they create together.

Congratulations to Tiffany and the team at Pure Flavor on this well deserved industry recognition.

As we wrap up our celebrations for Ontario Agriculture Week, OGVG is proud to recognize Ontario greenhouse growers leading the way in sustainable farming. From Windsor to Niagara and beyond, our members are redefining what it means to grow food by combining innovation, responsibility, and care for the planet. 🔋 Energy Efficiency: Many greenhouses use co-generation systems to capture and reuse heat and electricity. 💧 Water Recycling: Advanced irrigation systems recycle water and nutrients to reduce waste. 🌿 Sustainable Practices: From integrated pest management to renewable energy, Ontario growers are constantly improving how they grow. Every cucumber, pepper, and tomato produced in Ontario is more than just fresh. It’s a symbol of progress toward a sustainable and reliable food system. 💚 👉 Learn more about OGVG’s sustainability initiatives: https://bit.ly/3MzhTUq #OntarioAgWeek #OGVG #Sustainability #GreenhouseGoodness #EatLocal #InnovationInAg

What a great day at #FARMtoberfest with @FarmFoodCareON! Thanks to everyone, including MPP Trevor Jones who stopped by to meet Tommy Tomato, Percy Pepper, and Cuke the Cucumber, and to enjoy samples of Ontario greenhouse vegetables. Events like this are a fun reminder of how much pride our growers take in providing Canadians with fresh, local, greenhouse-grown vegetables all year long.

We’re excited to join @FarmFoodCareON tomorrow for #FARMtoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the OGVG team will be handing out free fresh Ontario greenhouse produce, fun giveaways, and celebrating with our three mascots — Tommy Tomato, Percy Pepper, and Cuke the Cucumber! 🥒🍅🌶️ Stop by, say hello, and learn more about how Ontario greenhouses grow fresh, local vegetables year-round. 🤩 Thank you to our members Mucci Farms and Pure Flavor for providing us with samples to share at this event! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ddnk_SaB

Did you know Ontario’s greenhouse growers cultivate fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers on close to 4,300 acres? Greenhouse agriculture provides a reliable supply of local produce through every season! This Ag Week, we’re proud to thank our growers who make it possible to enjoy fresh local veggies through summer, fall, winter and spring. 🌿 #OntarioAgWeek #EatLocal #OGVG #SustainableFarming

It’s Ontario Agriculture Week! Celebrate by showing your support for local farmers and the fresh food they bring to your table, including Ontario greenhouse cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Here’s how you can join in and show your support: 🛒 Shop Local when you visit your grocery store or local market 🍅 Try Something New! Explore greenhouse-grown varieties you haven’t tried before, like a new tomato or pepper type! 📱 Share the Love. Post your favourite local eats and tag #ONTAgWeek and #LoveONFood to show your support for Ontario growers. Every small action helps strengthen our local food system! One fresh bite at a time. 💚 #OntarioAgWeek #OGVG #SupportLocal #LoveONFood #GreenhouseGoodness