About OGVG
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) was formed in 1967 and represents more than 250 members who produce greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers in Ontario, Canada.
What We Do
OGVG lobbies for, and conducts research on behalf of, the Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers. OGVG also promotes greenhouse vegetables through various media and tradeshows.
OGVG Vision
That our producers have continual opportunity to succeed.
OGVG Mission
To recognize and prioritize producer needs, allocate appropriate resources, and implement solutions to advance the interests of growers.
OGVG Mandate
To provide market access for producers and ensure the opportunity for economic success.
Vegetable Production & Distribution
Ontario leads all of North America in greenhouse vegetable production, with more than 1740 acres devoted to tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. All Ontario greenhouse vegetable marketers/shippers and growers are required to go through a third party certification process to ensure all the required steps are taken to reduce food safety related risks. Our shippers are FDA registered and bonded ensuring on-time delivery of our fresh products with no unnecessary border delays or inspection problems.
Where We are Located
Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers are located throughout Ontario, spanning from Windsor to Niagara and as far north as Ottawa. The OGVG office is located in Leamington, Ontario, approximately 60 km south of the Windsor-Detroit border. Leamington, also known as the tomato capital, is located in Southwestern Ontario, and is where the majority of the greenhouse vegetable production takes place.
Some Facts About The Industry
Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers are located throughout Ontario. Essex County Ontario has the highest concentration of vegetable greenhouses in North America.
What makes Ontario greenhouse produce unique?
- Ontario greenhouse produce is grown using hydroponics. This means they are grown using water and nutrients, rather than soil.
- We have 1750 acres of greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers in Ontario. On each acre, we can grow 64 times the amount that other conventionally grown commodities can grow!
- Our producers utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM), bringing insects that are found throughout nature and place them in greenhouses, to keep the bad pests out and the good in.
- Our producers were the first group of growers in North America to regulate food safety in their industry. They must all have a yearly third party audit to ensure that they are following important food safety standards.
- Ontario producers are less than one days drive from the majority of markets they serve in Canada and the US.
Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers are located throughout Ontario, from Windsor to Niagara and spanning as far north as Ottawa. Southwestern Ontario's ideal growing conditions can be attributed to location:
- most southern point in Canada
- lies on the 42nd parallel (shared with Rome, Italy and Northern California) further south than 13 US states
- 87% of the greenhouses in Essex County are dedicated to vegetable production.
The southern part of Essex County has a greater acreage than the entire North American greenhouse vegetable industry.
