The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers organization, headquartered in Leamington, ON, has proudly represented the Ontario greenhouse vegetable sector since 1967. It recently released its 2015 Fact Sheet, providing a concise overview of Ontario’s current greenhouse production.An Ontario greenhouse soaks up some sun. (Photo courtesy of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers)

OGVG represents all greenhouse tomato, cucumber and pepper farmers in Ontario. It regulates the licensing of all growers, packers and marketers of Ontario hydroponic greenhouse growers.

Its farmers practice integrated pest management — utilizing good bugs to manage the bad bugs — and introduce bumblebees to pollinate tomato and pepper crops.

The hydroponic, controlled greenhouse environment enables Ontario’s growers to produce a uniform product that minimizes waste and maximizes yield and quality.

The farmers also undergo annual third-party food safety audits to ensure they comply with all food safety standards.

The 2015 Fact Sheet states that over 70 percent of its farmers’ produce is exported to the U.S., which is less than one day’s drive from the majority of markets they serve in both Canada and the U.S. Of total growers, 43 marketers sell Ontario greenhouse produce to retailers and foodservice operators across North America.

OGVG’s members produce English (seedless) cucumbers, mini cucumbers, red, yellow, orange and specialty peppers, tomatoes-on-the-vine, Beefsteak and specialty tomatoes.

Today there are 211 farms in Ontario that grow greenhouse vegetables, spanning 2,553 acres of greenhouses.

By commodity, Ontario production of tomatoes represents 36.7 percent of greenhouse production on 936 acres; peppers represent 35 percent of production on 891 acres; and cucumbers represent 28.3 percent on 726 acres.

From 2014 to 2015, the Ontario greenhouse sector grew by 149 acres, or 6 percent. The total farm gate value of production in 2013 was $783 million. The sector accounts for over 13,000 employees.

OGVG also stays progressive for its members. In mid-January it announced the launch of a new website targeting consumers and other potential users of Ontario greenhouse vegetables at www.OGVG.com.

Key features of the new site include a cleaner and more attractive design along with a more engaging user experience with enhanced search and navigation capabilities.

George Gilvesy, general manager of OGVG, stated in a press release that the organization’s goal was to design a website that would be a definitive resource and guide for those people seeking information about Ontario greenhouse vegetables.

“We’re excited to launch our new website targeting the consumers of our members’ best in class produce,” said Gilvesy. “We are hopeful that it will provide the public the information they are looking for to make Ontario greenhouse vegetable products top of mind when making their produce selections.

“Check our site often to stay current on new information,” he continued. “The new website design offers a fresh and simple look with easy navigation to social media pages. It features how to select produce, nutrition tips, storage of produce, consumer tips, print or download recipes, videos, contact information and optimization for mobile devices.”

Support for the development of the new website came from the province of Ontario through the Local Food Fund.