Human Resources & Labour

The Ontario Greenhouse Industry owes much of its success to an ability to secure dedicated and skilled human resources. The industry is a large employer with more than 18,000 full and part-time employees in the sector. While using a significant number of employees who are supplied by the Caribbean and Mexican Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (CMSAWP), it is obvious that many more men and women are required to fulfill the industry’s needs in a scope of jobs from senior management and sales to general labourer.

A major part of OGVG’s efforts in Human Resources revolves around established links with industry associations such as the Farm Safety Association, TOGA, The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, FARMS, CanAg, and the Labour Issues Co-ordinating Committee. OGVG and its industry partners feel it is critical to maintain and develop relationships with various government departments and agencies that have an impact on policies that influence our sector. A recent example of this type of proactive activity is the development and implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for agriculture.

The OGVG Board of Directors and Human Resources Committee realize that while the primary issues of human resources revolve around the production of our high quality vegetables, they take the industry’s role in the local communities seriously, and regularly support activities that enhance the objective of improving the quality of life of our workforce. At times, this involves support for education. A skilled workforce is critical to the growth of the industry and we look to further initiatives in the secondary schools, colleges and universities to maintain a continuous supply of quality personnel for the industry.