Soothsayers of years ago who predicted the success of greenhouse production deserve an acknowledgement of how right they were. Greenhouse vegetables, fruit and flower production is continually evolving. New product testing and trailing is ongoing. Specialty vegetable demand is at an all-time high and increasing annually. Organically grown greenhouse production is quickly becoming the norm, and new greenhouses are sprouting up in regions across North America.

Ontario, Canada, can rightly lay claim to jump-starting the growth and success of hydroponic greenhouse production.

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers is a not-for-profit organization representing approximately 220 members. The organization is regulated under the Farm Products Marketing act and is responsible for licensing all growers, packers and marketers of Ontario greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. 

Rick Seguin was appointed general manager of OGVG of in August 2015, and he took the helm in early September. He told The Produce News that Ontario greenhouse cucumbers, which grow year round, continue to expand in production every year, as do tomatoes and peppers.

“Tomatoes and peppers start about mid-March in Ontario,” Seguin explained. “Ontario greenhouse production has grown steadily for the past half-dozen years by between five and six percent annually, with the addition of approximately 150-acres each year. Our grower-members now produce in 2,600-acres of greenhouses.”

He noted that last year’s large production of seedless cucumbers enabled growers to get the product into new markets and new regions.

“This year’s production is similar to last year, so that’s good news,” he said. “In order of Ontario greenhouse production, tomatoes are first, peppers second and cucumbers are third.”

Among the largest challenges for Ontario greenhouse growers is the cost of heating the greenhouses. They investigate and study many different options to determine those that can help them save money.

“This winter has been mild, so growers have been saving,” said Seguin. “But production is also dependent on sunshine, and that has been on the scant side this year. Lack of sunshine affects product growth, and that was evident in the size of the cucumber this year.”

He also pointed out the great successes currently happening in the greenhouse industry. New specialty tomato varieties such as cherry, grape and heirlooms are now widely and successfully distributed. Baby and mini colored peppers now join the ranks of the traditional greenhouse peppers, and the greenhouse seedless cucumber line has expanded to include mini and cocktail sizes, which are perfect for snacks and lunch boxes.

“These specialty items are very popular and growing today,” said Seguin. “But the success is mostly due to new packaging, labels, clever trademarks and strong promotion and marketing initiatives. The industry is highly competitive and growers realize they have to compete globally. Greenhouse growers are simply doing a better job than ever of getting their brands in front of consumers in clever and attractive ways.”

Although OVGV regulates only tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, Seguin said there is growth in other Ontario greenhouse items.

“We are seeing increased volumes of eggplant and leafy greens, and growers are testing strawberries,” he said.

In January, OGVG launched its annual winter cucumber campaign, “Always in Season” at select retail stores throughout Ontario. Included in the group were Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys, Longo’s and Walmart Canada.

OGVG will be promoting greenhouse produce and testing the waters for an extended campaign in the future at booth No. 1214 at the Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure on March 3-5 in Hollywood, FL. Seguin will be joined by Fiona McLean, marketing and communications coordinator for OGVG, to greet and meet with visitors.