Richard Lee takes stock of greenhouse vegetable sector growth

The Grower Calling

The Ontario greenhouse vegetable sector, now valued at close to $2 billion in farmgate value, is facing regulatory burdens on several fronts. The federal carbon tax is one, but Chatham-Kent’s municipal development charges for water and wastewater will escalate from $179,000 per acre in 2024 to $366,000 per acre by 2029. The Grower is Digging Deeper behind the April 2024 cover story and speaking with Richard Lee, Executive Director of The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. He shares how these policies are impeding continued investment in Canada as some growers are choosing to expand in the U.S. Advocacy efforts are a priority as close to 4,000 acres of production of fresh tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers contribute to Canada’s food security.