State of the industry 2026 Where Canada’s greenhouse sector stands after a tumultuous 2025 | 8
Tossed to treasured Study looks into profit potential of less-than-perfect produce | 12
Climate cues
Pointers to keep pests, pathogens at bay | 16
JAN/FEB 2026
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CONTENTS
Jan/Feb 2026
Vol. 46, Issue 1
State of the industry
A report on where the sector stands and where its headed. By Amy Kouniakis Page 8.
Editorial
4
Industry News
6
Photo contest 26 A closer look at our winner and some of the super close calls. Inside View
22
30
16 12 16 Waste not
ON THE COVER Cover contest winner shows a petunia plug in propogation. Sent by Roberto Corea of Northampton, NB. Read more on Page 26.
Unlocking hidden potential of imperfect greenhouse harvests. BY KAITLYN CARR AND ALEXANDRA GRYGORCZYK
22
Climate vs. pests
Purposeful packaging
BY VIKRANT DHAWAN AND MOHYUDDIN MIRZA
BY J LYNN FRASER
Environmental control strategies suppress pests in high-value crops.
It’s no longer just about what holds the product.
January/February 2026 - GREENHOUSE CANADA 3
GREENHOUSE CANADA is the only national business magazine published exclusively for the commercial greenhouse grower in Canada.
FROM THE EDITOR
AMY KOUNIAKIS | @GreenHouseCan
Jan/Feb 2026 - Volume 46, No. 1
In 2026, we set our sights westward
Reader Service Print and digital subscription inquiries or changes, please contact Angelita Potal, Customer Service Tel: 416-510-5113 Email: apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1
These first few weeks of a new year are a great time to get organized for the months ahead (although, as growers, this is old hat for you) and explore opportunities for growth. Greenhouse Canada recently took the opportunity to do just that and as a result, we’re trying a few new things for 2026. Firstly, we’re so pleased to be introducing a new event geared towards Canada’s western greenhouse growing community: Grower Day West. This one-day event will mirror our traditional St. Catharines-based Grower Day but with a focus on regional issues and challenges. We’re in the late stages of developing our speaker lineup for Grower Day West, which will be held in Langley, BC on June 2, so stay tuned for more details. We’re also thrilled be hosting the 31st edition of Grower Day on June 16 in St. Catharines and will be sharing insights into what we have in store for that soon. We’re also launching a new, more focussed Grower Survey this year to understand how Canada’s greenhouses are employing light and
Publisher NASHELLE BARSKY nbarsky@annexbusinessmedia.com 905.431.8892
reason to hope that Canada’s greenhouse sector will remain competitive and resilient well into the future. On Page 12, we have the first feature in a very important series for Greenhouse Canada on waste management. In this first feature, Vineland’s Kaitlyn Carr and Alexandra Grygorczyk share their work on maximizing yield recovery from greenhouse grade-outs. It’s a fascinating look at what’s possible and how waste can be an opportunity. We’ll be running more on waste management for greenhouse operations over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled! Our longtime greenhouse consultant contributor, Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza, is also back in this issue with Vikrant Dhawan, master grower at Green Mountain Health Alliance greenhouse in Kaleden, BC, to explore how climate control can help to keep pests and disease at bay – specifically in tomato and cannabis crops. Check out their suggestions for best practices on Page 16. In this first issue of 2026, we learn about how sustainable packaging is
“Packaging is no longer just about what holds the products...” lighting technologies. We’re looking to understand how these are impacting growers’ businesses and crops and perhaps glean insight into best management practices. Check out the survey on our website and if you can find the time, we’d really appreciate your participation. To prepare for this new year, we also need to take stock of where we’ve been and where we stand. To help with that, we have our State of the Industry report on Page 8 of this issue. Everyone seems to agree that 2025 was somewhat rocky, costly and unpredictable but there’s 4 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
no longer just about what holds the products one grows. On Page 22, we discover it’s becoming more about lifecycle impact, operational fit and how growers communicate their environmental commitments to retailers and consumers. And finally, we put a cap on 2026’s first issue with a look at some of our Cover Photo Contest submissions and a deeper dive into our winner on Page 26, and our Inside View columnist, Gary Jones, offers his take on the state of the industry. Happy New Year everyone!
Editor AMY KOUNIAKIS akouniakis@annexbusinessmedia.com 519.429.5203
Account Coordinator KATHRYN NYENHUIS knyenhuis@annexbusinessmedia.com 416.510.6753 Audience Development Manager SHAWN ARUL sarul@annexbusinessmedia.com 416.510.5181 Group Publisher MICHELLE BERTHOLET mbertholet@annexbusinessmedia.com CEO SCOTT JAMIESON sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com Media Designer JAIME RATCLIFFE Publication Mail Agreement #40065710 Printed in Canada ISSN 0712-4996 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Canada - 1 Year $41.37; Single $6.00 (plus applicable taxes) U.S.A. - 1 Year $94.41 CAD Annex Privacy Officer Privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374 GST - #867172652RT0001 Occasionally, Greenhouse Canada will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. ©2026 Annex Business Media. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised.
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INDUSTRY NEWS greenhousecanada.com
Alberta announces $10M ‘Growing Greenhouses’ program to promote sector growth Alberta has announced a new three-year, $10-million ‘Growing Greenhouse’ program to stimulate sector growth and increase the province’s access to fresh produce. The province said the initiative, funded by Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), will support projects aimed at expanding controlled environment agriculture (CEA), including new construction or expansion and improvements to existing food-producing commercial greenhouses and vertical farms. “This new program will fund technologies that increase food production and improve energy efficiency,” said RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Federal Minister of Agriculture, Heath MacDonald, also touted the program’s potential to reinforce “Canada’s food system and economy.” As it stands, there are 195 greenhouses in the province, producing approximately $145 million worth of food annually. The province imports upwards of $349 million in fresh produce. Michiel Verheul, president of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association, said: “Our growers are ready to meet the demand with sustainable, locally grown vegetables and fruits, and this support ensures we can do so while creating new jobs and opportunities in communities across the province.” (Source: Province of Alberta)
Fruitful partnership: Greenhouse-optimized strawberries get closer to market Kingsville’s Red Sun Farms has teamed up with plant breeder, Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV) and ag tech startup, Heritable Agriculture to develop premium strawberry varieties suited to greenhouse production. The research, currently underway at the Vineland Research Station, combines Red Sun’s vertically integrated production model with CIV’s strawberry genetics and Heritable’s AI-driven predictive models to optimize key traits of the crop to improve quality and performance. As part of the effort to
develop these new varieties, the partnership recently welcomed retail partners to Vineland for ‘guided sensory evaluations’ of more than 110 strawberry breeding lines in development. “A key differentiator of this initiative is the early involvement of eight retail partners representing more than 8,000 North American store locations,” a Red Sun press release noted. “By bringing retailers into the breeding process from the beginning stages, the project aligns real consumer insights and market needs with cutting-edge technology.”
Windset honoured with efficiency award Delta-based Windset Farms was recently named an Efficiency in Action Award winner by FortisBC, a utilities provider in British Columbia. In a blog post, the greenhouse grower celebrated the honour and provided insight on the production practices that helped Windset earn it, including the recent switch to 100 per cent LED. Their Delta operations have also undergone significant climate efficiency upgrades with the installation of energy curtains, and deployment of a biomass boiler in combo with natural gas to capture CO2. This was the second time in 2025 Windset has been honoured for its sustainability efforts. BC Hydro also recognized the company as a ‘Clean Energy Champion.’ (Source: Windset Farms) 6 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
The feedback from these early consultations with retailers will guide the project’s next phase of selection. “We are effectively reverseengineering the perfect strawberry based on what consumers actually demand, ensuring that when these varieties hit the shelf, they are already proven winners,” said Paul J Mastronardi, Red Sun’s business development and account manager, in the release. “We are entering a new era of produce development where we no longer have to choose between yield and flavour.” (Source: Red Sun Farms)
BY THE NUMBERS
Source: Canadian Economic News (Nov. 2025); Statistics Canada
The federal government forecasts a $78.3 billion deficit for 2025-26 and real GDP growth of 1.1% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026.
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STATE OF THE SECTOR 2026 Canada’s greenhouse industry: Growth, grit and a fragile path forward
BY AMY KOUNIAKIS
Canada’s commercial greenhouse producers navigated an incredibly complicated set of challenges through 2025. The year was defined by an unpredictable trade relationship with the U.S. and soaring operational costs set against a backdrop of sector growth and expansion. If anything, this year of uncertainty has led to advancements and innovation across the Canadian greenhouse sector. It has motivated policy makers to take notice of the industry’s economic significance and the key role it plays in keeping the country safely and affordably fed. So much so, that 2026’s outlook is ripe with opportunity even as clouds linger on the horizon. THE 2025 WRAP At the start of 2025, Canada’s greenhouse producers had a year of growth behind them bolstering optimism amid increasing trade uncertainty. According to Statistics Canada’s 2024 data on the sector, total sales that year of the greenhouse, nursery, field-grown cut flower and sod industries rose to $6 billion (up from $5.5 billion in 2023). Greenhouse products alone accounted for $5 billion (+8.4 per cent), representing 83.4 per cent of all sales. Total sales of greenhouse fruit
and vegetables rose eight per cent from 2023 to reach $2.7 billion in 2024 - continuing an annual increase, StatsCan notes, that began in 2013. The 2025 ‘Greenhouse Investment Roadmap’ from Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC), noted “Canada is the North American leader of greenhouse fruit and vegetable production,” and its more than 920 produce-growing greenhouses support 37,600 jobs and produce $2.7 billion in farm gate sales. “Over the past two years, our growth has surpassed the anticipated five per cent projections, reflecting the robust and promising trajectory of our industry,” said Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association (OGVG) executive director, Richard Lee, of his province’s producers. Québec’s producers, supported by MAPAQ’s 2020-2025 Greenhouse Growth Strategy, have seen production of fruits and vegetables double over that period. A representative from Producteurs en serre du Québec (PSQ) told Greenhouse Canada “through the numerous expansion and modernization projects supported by the government, greenhouse production of fruits and vegetables doubled since 2020 and sales of fruit and vegetables are up 73 per cent since 2020.”
ABOVE Throughout 2025, Canada’s greenhouse producers faced soaring operational costs and trade uncertainty that will continue to put pressure on bottom lines in the year ahead. 8 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
On the ornamental side, Québec-based greenhouse consultant Michel Senécal said inclement weather patterns throughout the province had an impact on sales throughout spring 2025 but sunnier summer days “allowed us to make up for lost sales.” Flowers Canada Growers (FCG) executive director, Andrew Morse, says his membership saw a more than six per cent increase in the import of propagative material in the summer of 2025. “So, while we can’t tell if farms grew more,” he says, “they certainly kept up with importing young plants to produce more.” CLIMBING COSTS But even as Canada’s greenhouse producers are seeing signs of growth, this hasn’t necessarily translated into higher profits as costs rise. According to StatsCan, greenhouse operating expenses across the country increased by 4.3 per cent to $4 billion in 2024, largely driven by electricity (+8.3 per cent) and plant materials (+8.0 per cent). In Ontario, electricity costs soared after market renewal adjustments were introduced in May 2025. This, Lee says, “have exacerbated the situation, increasing the cost of running lights by five to ten times based on average use.” A representative from the PSQ reports that the province’s carbon tax (SPEDE) continues to impact Québec’s greenhouse producers even as the federal program ended in April 2025. In addition, despite the province’s advanced hydroelectricity and preferential rates for growers, it’s estimated that the cost to heat a greenhouse in StHyacinth is more than two times higher than one in Leamington. “Even if we have a reasonable price per kWh, we still need to heat more and light longer simply due to the natural conditions in our province,” the PSQ said. As the price of utilities has risen, so too has the cost of other key inputs, says Alberta-based greenhouse consultant, Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza. He said alongside utilities, “the cost of seedlings and seeds increased,” adding that costs related to labour were on the rise. Michiel Verheul, president of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers’ Association (AGGA) agrees and says, “labour remains our number one expense in this industry.” In 2024, the StatsCan data shows that gross yearly payroll accounted for 29.5 per cent of total operating expenses for greenhouse vegetable producers, which grew by 6.7 per cent from 2023. For ornamental
producers, 24.9 per cent of overall expenses were dedicated to payroll in 2024. “When you deal with a lower sales weekend it adds up,” Verheul adds. “We regained the overall sales but it always comes at a higher expense level. The last bedding plants you sell are the most expensive ones.” Labour remains the largest and most complex cost for growers, with wages representing a small part of the broader competitiveness challenge. “The impact of labour on greenhouse farming extends beyond mere staffing,” notes Lee. “The availability and cost of labour directly influence operational efficiency and profitability.” He says the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is vital to the industry which “struggles to attract domestic workers.” “To maintain competitiveness, it is imperative to modernize and enhance existing labour support programs in Canada,” Lee said, adding that otherwise, “the sector may face significant challenges in sustaining its workforce.” THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Over the last year, the single greatest challenge the Canadian greenhouse industry
faced has been the lack of predictability in the trade relationship with the U.S. The pressure was not abstract; it carried a heavy financial toll. In early March, Lee explains, their membership “were suddenly hit with a 25 per cent broad tariff on produce exported to the U.S.,” costing them an estimated (and unrecoverable) $7 million in just three days. The disruption was compounded by other policy shifts, Lee points out, like the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement in 2025, which imposed a 17 per cent tariff and led to a surge of Mexican imports that further destabilized the market. FCG’s Morse, says for their membership, “the on-again off-again threat of tariffs applied a lot of pressure and stress to planning and working with clients in the U.S. It’s our assessment that many exporting farms really leaned on the trust they’ve built with their clients to keep products moving.” Morse notes, however, “despite those efforts, as of August we had already recognized a reduction in export when compared to 2024. As of August, exports were down by 6.2 per cent.” The U.S. government shutdown has since disrupted the flow of trade data, so
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the impacts of the instability throughout the year will likely not be known “for some time,” Morse explains. Alberta’s ornamental producers have remained somewhat insulated from the U.S. export storm as, Verheul says, “bedding plants are mostly sold locally. Very few, if any, go across the border.” Québec’s producers weren’t immune to the threat of tariffs as the PSQ notes that exporting growers felt the impact directly. Locally, “the tariffs and tense trade situation resulted in higher amounts of Ontario and Mexico products on Québec grocery shelves, in high volumes and at low prices that can be difficult to compete with.”
CUSMA But in the shadow lurks the ever-present uncertainty that is trade with the U.S. Right now, much of Canada’s greenhouse-grown goods are protected from tariffs under the Canada-United StatesMexico Agreement (CUSMA). CUSMA is up for review in July 2026. “Predictable, free trade under CUSMA is essential for year-round food supply and Canadian food security,” the FVGC report insists. “First and foremost, the renewal of CUSMA is crucial for supporting GDP,” Lee said, adding that so too is nurturing our deep economic ties with our closest trading partner. Morse adds: “It’s not possible to predict how those things are 10 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/ POWEROFFOREVER
LIGHT ON THE HORIZON While these trade issues will continue to cast a long shadow, recent policy advancements and a proven track record of resiliency, offers a glimmer of hope for future growth and stability across Canada’s greenhouse sector. Changes to AgriStability “will improve tools to protect farms amid significant threats,” Morse said. “And there have been a number of program announcements which may help farms in the event of further trade disruption.” He also says “in Ontario, proposed changes to requirements around septic load on farms may help to enable growth, and recommended changes around stormwater taxes may reduce costs to farms as well.” Recently announced plans to upgrade water management infrastructure around Leamington and Niagara will be a boon for the industry in the long run, Morse notes. “The Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct is a hopeful development aimed at curbing retailer decisions and profiteering,” said Lee. “Sustainable farming cannot thrive when returns barely cover production costs, or in some cases, fall below them.” The ‘Growing Greenhouses’ initiative announced in December 2025 and aimed at Alberta’s fruit and vegetable greenhouse producers, looks to stimulate the expansion and new construction of CEA operations to improve the province’s access to fresh produce. The program, Verheul said, is a most welcome investment and vote of confidence in Alberta’s greenhouse industry that “puts a big smile on our faces.” In Québec, the launch of the Greenhouse Grower training program at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec (ITAQ) in Saint-Hyacinth, is a beacon of hope for the future of the sector. This five-month program offers 360 hours of theoretical and hands-on, practical training. The PSQ also touts the development of the ‘Chamber of Coordination and Development,’ and told Greenhouse Canada: “Once in place, it will help strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Quebec’s greenhouse sector.”
ABOVE Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct comes into effect in 2026 and will provide some protection for fruit and veg producers.
going to go, or what their outcomes will be, but certainly those will be pivotal considerations next year. And these are very real concerns not just for exporters, but for all farms.” Beyond CUSMA and securing free trade across the continent, there are opportunities for policymakers to mitigate the potential impacts of some of this uncertainty for Canada’s greenhouse producers. According the FVGC’s roadmap, the competitiveness of the sector can be supported with specialized energy and labour policies, strategic infrastructure investment, modernized risk management for greenhouses, and regulatory reform. “Greenhouse growers need enabling policies, programs, and infrastructure that understand their business,” the report states. “The priority across Canada really needs to be a reduction in regulatory burden and red tape,” Morse said. “While regulation is important, it needs to be considerate of business realities, and it needs to move efficiently.” The PSQ adds that for 2026, “policymakers need to make sure that the policies in place or under development don’t penalize the sector.” LOOKING AHEAD Taken together, 2025 underscored both the vulnerability and the value of Canada’s greenhouse sector. Growers adapted quickly, absorbed rising costs, navigated trade shocks and continued to invest in CEA at a time when food security and domestic production matter more than ever. At the start of 2026, the industry enters the year not without risk, but with greater visibility from policymakers, new program supports and a proven ability to respond under pressure. Stability — in trade, labour and energy — will ultimately determine how fully that opportunity can be realized.
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TURNING WASTE into opportunity Maximizing yield recovery from imperfect greenhouse produce BY KAITLYN CARR AND ALEXANDRA GRYGORCZYK
Every year, Leamington-area greenhouse growers discard an estimated 15,000 tonnes of vegetables − produce that is too large or small, over-ripe, imperfectly shaped or damaged, along with surplus crops when markets are saturated. Most of this edible produce, sometimes called discards, gradeouts or imperfect produce, ends up in landfills, yet it represents a substantial opportunity to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and recover value. WHAT WE SET OUT TO DO Vineland Research and Innovation Centre set out to better understand the characteristics of greenhouse vegetables that are discarded and identify opportunities to redirect more of this food into the food supply chain. The project combined three components: • On-site assessments of discard bins • Sensory testing to evaluate whether discards are suitable for food processing • Interviews with growers and food sector Together, these components provided a comprehensive picture of the current status and future prospects for recovering more edible yield from greenhouse operations. CHARACTERISTICS OF DISCARDED VEGETABLES We surveyed 12 discard bins across two time points at nine Ontario greenhouse operations ranging from 25 to 200 acres. Discard volumes and types varied
BELOW Common defects observed in tomato discard bins.
No. 1 Tomato
Over-Ripe/Too Red
Surface Imperfections
Broken
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No. 1 Pepper
Misshapen/Curly
Broken
Discoloured
Too Small, Side-Shoot
Misshapen/Curly Too large
Too Curly No. 1 Cucumber
Surface Imperfections/ Scarring Broken
Surface Imperfections
Too Large
widely, influenced by pest pressure, disease, weather, market fluctuations, and growing and sorting practices. Common defects included size or shape issues, scarring, breakage, discolouration, and rot. The incidence of rot varied considerably by crop and facility. While tomatoes showed virtually no rot, peppers and cucumbers ranged from 0 to 86 per cent rot depending on the season and operation (Table 1, below). Sector interviews indicated that rot-free vegetables that are broken but can be effectively washed (i.e. peppers, cucumbers) can be used in processed products including pasteurized or highpressure-processed juices and purees. A significant share of bin contents was therefore potentially edible: • Peppers (no rot): 14–84% • Tomatoes (no rot or broken skin): 82–97% • Cucumbers (no rot/shriveled ends): 57–100% For edible pepper discards, the most common issues were breakage, surface imperfections, and small size. Many of the small peppers originated from side stems that growers prune early to concentrate nutrients into main-stem fruit. Edible cucumbers were often oversized, overly thin, curled, or broken. Tomatoes were frequently discarded for being too small or “too ripe” for shipping. Importantly, these “too ripe” tomatoes were typically at peak eating quality but would not withstand the handling and shelf-life requirements of the fresh market at retail. Overall, discard bin inventories highlighted that most vegetables being thrown away are edible and could be repurposed.
SENSORY SUITABILITY FOR FOOD PROCESSING Greenhouse vegetables have historically been sold almost exclusively to the fresh market. Introducing them into processing streams raises questions about flavour, texture, and performance after transformation. Some growers expressed that certain defect types, such as oversized cucumbers tasting watery or sidestem peppers being more bitter, make lower-grade vegetables unsuitable for food manufacturing. To evaluate these concerns objectively, Vineland’s trained sensory panel was engaged to profile the greenhouse vegetables. As shown in Table 2, the panel profiled products made from various greenhouse defect types alongside No.1 grade vegetables and field-grown counterparts. Evaluations were conducted across juices, purees, and powders depending on the crop. Peppers Results showed only minor differences among pepper types in attributes such as viscosity and aroma, and none in bitterness. This finding counters the perception that side-stem peppers are inferior; they performed on par with main-stem fruit and pose no sensory barrier to consumption. Tomatoes Field tomatoes, commonly used in commercial sauces, produced purees with the expected bright red colour and higher viscosity, due to their breeding for these processing traits. Although field tomato varieties are selected for high brix, we have learned from Vineland’s consumer-driven breeding programs
Summarized results of discard bin assessments Vegetable Type
Misshapen/ Discoloured
Cut or Broken
Too Small/ Thin
Too Large
Pepper
0-11%
3-65%
6-40%
0%
Tomato
0-27%
4-17%
23-28%
0-2%
Cucumber
0-59%
0-49%
0-30%
0-30%
Too Red
Dirty (biocontrol debris/ residue)
Surface Imperfections
Rot
N/A
0-5%
8-44%
16-86%
5-22%
27-51%
0%
13-51%
0-1%
N/A
N/A
N/A
0%
0-27%
0%
0-43%
Under-ripe
N/A
Gummy Ends N/A
TABLE 1. Ranges represent the minimum and maximum percentages of each defect observed in discard bins evaluated across different facilities and time points. The most common defects in each crop type are highlighted in bold. Note, the reported ranges should be considered ballpark estimates only, due to variability in data collection methods and limited grower sample sizes. 14 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
Table 2. Vegetable types processed for evaluation by Vineland’s sensory panel. Pepper (juice, puree, powder)
Tomato (juice, puree, powder)
Cucumber (juice, powder)
Greenhouse vegetables
Red bell pepper 1. No. 1 grade 2. Too small/side-stem, red bell pepper
Tomato-on-the-vine 1. No.1 grade 2. Too red 3. Too small
Long English cucumber 1. No.1 grade 2. Too thin 3. Too large
Field vegetables
3. Red bell pepper 4. Red banana pepper
4. Processing tomato (roma)
4. Pickling cucumber
that high brix does not always equate to high sweetness as some aroma volatiles enhance the perception of sweetness. This was the case in our sensory testing where evaluations showed that greenhouse tomatoes, especially “too red” ones, scored significantly higher in sweetness. Greenhouse tomatoes also scored higher in tomato flavour in puree form, though field tomatoes were higher in this attribute in powder form. These findings demonstrate clear potential for greenhouse tomatoes in select processed goods. Cucumbers Cucumbers were tested in juice and powder formats only, as they are not typically consumed as purees. Greenhouse cucumbers outperformed field cucumbers in juice, offering stronger cucumber aroma
and lower “earthy-damp” notes. Although oversized cucumbers tend to taste watery when consumed fresh, they performed similarly to cucumber No.1s in juice format while also resulting in the highest juice yield. In powder form, field cucumbers performed better with higher cucumber aroma and lower scores in attributes such as “earthy-damp” and “seaweed”. LEARNINGS FROM THE SECTOR With the quality and characteristics of greenhouse discards established, we explored where these products could fit in the market. Interviews were conducted with growers, waste management companies, industry associations, and local and international businesses to understand opportunities and barriers.
A consistent theme emerged in conversations with growers: economics ultimately determine whether imperfect produce is worth selling. When labour, packaging, and shipping expenses outweigh returns, especially in saturated markets, selling imperfect vegetables can actually cost growers more than the losses incurred by land-applying or landfilling them. Even so, several growers we spoke with are finding alternative sales channels. Growers also emphasized that imperfect vegetables must be treated as a distinct grade and sorted before they reach the discard bin to maintain food safety. For operations accustomed to discarding anything with visible imperfections, this shift represents a meaningful change in practice that requires re-training staff.
25_015099_Greenhouse_Canada_JAN_CN Mod: December 11, 2025 8:49 AM Print: 12/15/25 Continued on page 28 page 1 v2.5
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PESTS LOSE when climate wins
Smart environmental control in tomato and cannabis greenhouses BY VIKRANT DHAWAN AND MOHYUDDIN MIRZA
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reenhouse tomato and cannabis production in Canada has grown rapidly over the past decade, driven by advances in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and the demand for premium produce and regulated cannabis. While greenhouses protect crops from unpredictable Canadian weather, they also create a finely tuned ecosystem where climate becomes the primary force determining whether plants thrive or whether pests and pathogens take hold. Across the country — from humid British Columbia to the dry Prairie provinces and variable climates in Ontario and Quebec — the greenhouse microclimate governs the spread, survival, and intensity of insects, mites, and diseases. This article explores how climate shapes major greenhouse pests and diseases in tomatoes and cannabis, and outlines effective, climate-based IPM strategies for growers.
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PHOTOS COURTESY VIKRANT DHAWAN AND MOHYUDDIN MIRZA
HOW CLIMATE SHAPES PEST AND DISEASE ECOLOGY Temperature dictates how fast pests reproduce and how aggressively pathogens spread. • Spider mitescomplete a life cycle in under a week at temperatures above 28°C. • Thrips and aphids multiply faster in warm, nutrient-rich environments. • Fungal pathogens,including powdery mildew and leaf spots, favour moderate temperatures (18–25°C). • Heat waves or uncontrolled canopy temperatures often accelerate pest metabolism, requiring earlier releases of biological controls or more frequent scouting. • Humidity & vapour pressure deficit (VPD) • Humidity is the single largest environmental factor influencing disease outbreaks. • High humidity (>75–80%) increases risks of powdery mildew, botrytis, and leaf spot diseases. • Low humidity (<50–55%) favours spider mite population booms. • Sudden humidity spikes at night create condensation on leaves—an instant trigger for mildew germination. Maintaining a stable VPD (rather than relying on relative humidity alone) helps prevent both fungal disease and moisturestress-driven pest outbreaks. Poor airflow encourages: • humid pockets • temperature stratification • mold development • reduced performance of biological control agents
ABOVE Powdery mildew on cannabis plants. When infection reaches this stage, photosynthesis is significantly reduced.
Dense cannabis canopies and mature tomato vines require strategic pruning and strong horizontal and vertical airflow to avoid hidden microclimates where pests and pathogens flourish. KEY PESTS & DISEASES INFLUENCED BY CLIMATE Below are the most significant climate-responsive pests and diseases in Canadian greenhouse production of tomatoes and cannabis. Powdery mildew — highly climate-sensitive Powdery mildew consistently affects both crops: • Golovinomyces spp. in cannabis • Oidium lycopersic in tomatoes It is worth mentioning that powdery mildew is a disease of low and high relative humidity. Under relative humidity below 50 per cent, the fungus produces more spores which then need free water to germinate and spread and cause new infections. This free water comes from condensation when day to night temperature drops rapidly and under high relative humidity conditions dew is formed on leaf surfaces. Ideal conditions for powdery mildew Climate Factor
Range That Promotes Disease
Relative Humidity
55–85%
Leaf Wetness
Dry surfaces
Temperature
18–26°C
Airflow
Low or stagnant
The disease becomes especially common in spring and fall, when greenhouses reduce ventilation to conserve heat and outdoor humidity is high.
Cannabis tends to be more vulnerable because its dense foliage and floral structures trap humidity, creating ideal microclimates for infection. Spider mites The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) thrives under: • 25–32°C temperatures • RH < 50% • plant stress from heat or drought Cannabis flowering rooms and tomato vines near highintensity lighting often become hotspots for mite activity if climate is not stabilized. Thrips Favoured by: • warm temperatures • low humidity • flowering plants Thrips damage cannabis flowers and transmit viruses in tomatoes. Whiteflies Common in: • warm, high-light greenhouses • low-airflow environments Growers in B.C., Ontario, and the Prairies report persistent whitefly issues when ventilation is inadequate. Fungus gnats & shore flies Favoured by: • wet substrates • algae growth • cool, damp propagation zones
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TABLE 1: Climate triggers for major pests & diseases Pest / Disease
Triggering Temperature
Triggering Humidity
Climate Impact
Powdery Mildew
18–26°C
55–85%
Germinates after condensation; thrives in still air
Spider Mites
25–32°C
< 50%
Reproduces rapidly in hot spots
Thrips
20–30°C
< 60%
Prefer dry, warm flowers
Whiteflies
22–28°C
Moderate
Thrive in low-airflow, warm areas
Fungus Gnats
15–24°C
Wet media
Activity increases in overwatered zones
Botrytis
17–23°C
> 80%
Needs cool, humid nights or wet tissue
Root Diseases
< 20°C root zone
High moisture
Triggered by saturated substrate
Aphids
18–25°C
Moderate-high
Favour lush, soft foliage
TABLE 2: Best climate-based IPM solutions Issue
Climate Solution
Practical Actions
Powdery Mildew (P.M)
Reduce nighttime RH to 55–60%
Increase airflow, run dehumidifiers before lights-off, avoid dawn condensation. Use of hydrogen peroxide in misting system along with air purifiers can also be helpful in controlling the spread of PM
Spider Mites
Maintain RH 55–65%
Improve airflow under lights, eliminate heat pockets, introduce predatory mites i.e. Phytoseiulus persimilis. Complement these measures with strict sanitation protocols and rigorous quality checks on all incoming plant material and outdoor agents to prevent the introduction and spread of spider mites.
Thrips
Raise RH 55–70%
Use airflow fans, remove debris, install insect mesh on vents
Whiteflies
Prevent Heat accumulation
Vent early morning, ensure propagation room hygiene
TABLE 3: IPM recommendations for tomatoes & cannabis Category
Tomato-Specific IPM
Cannabis-Specific IPM
Climate Control
Keep RH < 80%; avoid leaf wetness
RH 55–65% in flowering; stabilize VPD
Canopy Management
Prune lower leaves ; open clusters
Defoliate lower canopy; increase vertical air movement
Sanitation
Clean gutters & prune waste
Remove leaf litter daily; sterilize tools
Monitoring
Scout leaves every 3 days
Scout both lights-on & off; inspect undersides
Biological Control
Encarsia, Swirskii, Persimilis
Californicus, Persimilis, Aphidius, BT-i drenches
Preventive Measures
Manage humidity
Avoid condensation; stabilize day-night transitions
Aphids Favoured by: • moderate temperatures • humid conditions • soft, lush plant growth Populations expand rapidly because aphids reproduce without mating. CLIMATE-DRIVEN DISEASES BEYOND POWDERY MILDEW Botrytis (Grey Mold) One of the most destructive greenhouse diseases both affecting plants and post harvest products. Favoured by: • nighttime RH (> 80–85 %) • condensation • poor airflow • damaged plant tissue
Cannabis buds and tomato fruit clusters are particularly susceptible. Root diseases — Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora Triggered by: • saturated growing media • cold root zones (<18–20°C) • low oxygen • contaminated irrigation systems Leaf Spot Diseases Including Cladosporium and Alternaria. Favoured by: • warm, humid environments • dense canopies • poor ventilation BEST CLIMATE-BASED IPM TECHNIQUES This section highlights IPM practices specifically tied to climate management, presented in tables 1 to 3 (located above). January/February 2026 - GREENHOUSE CANADA 19
Through our professional experiences managing controlled-environment crops, one consistent pattern emerges: Growers who invest in climate stability experience significantly fewer pest outbreaks, cleaner harvests, lower chemical inputs, and more predictable cycles. A climate-driven IPM approach, supported by pruning, sanitation, biological controls, and real-time monitoring, is the most reliable foundation for healthy, high-performance greenhouse production. When climate control becomes proactive rather than reactive, growers don’t just reduce pest pressure—they create an environment where pests struggle to survive in the first place. SUGGESTIONS The drive to achieve high productivity and premium quality in greenhouse tomato and cannabis production while preventing disease, insect, and pest outbreaks remains one of the greatest challenges for growers managing controlled environments. However, based on our combined experience in Canadian greenhouse operations, we recommend the following strategies: • Designing climate zones based on crop stage,not just room layout. • Prioritizing nighttime humidity and temperature stability, the most overlooked disease trigger. • Imparting hydrogen peroxide in irrigation systemsto control the fungal formation in growing media and flush irrigation lines with hydrogen peroxide for proper sanitization.
•
Spraying a cannabis crop in early into the flowering stage with Health Canada-approved mineral based oils, insecticidal soaps and Potassium bicarbonate can also be very helpful in controlling aphids, thrips and powdery mildew in greenhouse cannabis production. • Integrating vertical airflow fans in cannabis, where microclimates form within inches. • Implementing ive climate dashboards accessible to growers and IPM technicians. • Proper implemented sanitation protocols and rigorous quality checkson all incoming plant material and outdoor agents to prevent the introduction and spread of these diseases, insects and pests. • Adopting preventive biological control programs early in the cycle. • Reassessing plant density regularly to avoid highhumidity pockets. • Building a year-round climate calendar tailored to regional weather patterns. These practices consistently strengthen crop resilience, improve product quality, and reduce production risks. Vikrant Dhawan is a plant scientist and master grower at Green Mountain Health Alliance greenhouse facility in Kaleden, BC who can be reached at vdhawan@gmtn.ca. Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza is an industry consultant based in Alberta and can be reached at drmirzaconsultants@gmail.com
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PHOTOS COURTESY FIELDLESS
The sustainability wrap Growers weigh performance, cost and credibility as sustainable packaging options expand BY J LYNN FRASER
Embracing environmentally friendly practices is important for individuals and companies. Growers, however, are faced with sustainable packaging options that are constantly evolving as to how bags, clamshells, pallet boxes, crates, labels, trays, flats, and films are made. Compatibility between the product and the solution is important. This includes consideration of moisture, durability, and endof-life options. Trends in packaging include biodegradable food wrap made from seeds; regenerative packaging made from recycled leaves and embedded with plantable seeds; and food waste that can be made into films. Mushrooms and fungi are materials being explored in new packaging.
PACKAGING’S LIFECYCLE AND EVOLVING CHOICES How long it takes some packaging materials to degrade is one such factor. Koen Pack’s website notes, for example, “Biodegradable (compostable) means that a product or packaging can degrade in a natural way by fungus and bacteria to water, CO2 and methane. It says nothing about the speed with which this happens and under what circumstances.” The website points out that “The added value of the compostable packaging is therefore mainly in the easy ‘transport’ of organic waste to the organic waste bin (increasing the separation efficiency of organic waste).” Other terms related to sustainable packaging are “biobased” and
ABOVE Inside one of Fieldless’s vertical farms in Cornwall, ON. Fieldless grows six types of lettuce that it then packages in cardboard-based material that can be recycled or composted. 22 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
ABOVE Fieldless CEO John Lomow says inspiration for their packaging solution comes from the meat industry in the Netherlands.
are made from “renewable, natural resources” like corn or potatoes. Some types of plastic are “based on sugars or sugar cane (such as PLA plastic).” It is important to consider that “Biobased products are not always biodegradable.” Fieldless, located in Cornwall, ON, is a vertical farm that is a CanadaGAPcertified facility growing six types of lettuce. Fieldless’s website describes the reasoning for their choice of sustainable packaging and the issues around moisture and packaging, landfill, greenhouse gases, in addition to plastic and problematic alternatives to it involving biodegradable and compostable materials. This discussion adds to the company’s branding while educating the public on sustainability issues. Fieldless’s packaging is “a firstof-a-kind cardboard-based package” that can be recycled or composted. It reduces plastic content by 90 per cent compared to the plastic clamshells Fieldless used previously. “We didn’t have the resources to invent anything ourselves, so we scoured the globe for existing solutions that could be repurposed,” said Fieldless founder and CEO, Jon Lomow. “We found our current solution out of the Netherlands. It was a novel packaging being used in the meat industry. They were able to provide us expertise to design, manufacture and better understand the impact of the solution.” THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE Sustainability is perceived in different ways and business owners need to understand those nuances to effectively market that aspect of their business. “Products that are seen by consumers can have packaging marked as sustainable. It can also figure in the January/February 2026 - GREENHOUSE CANADA 23 GH_Jiffy_JanFeb26_CSA.indd 1
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company’s general messaging as long as enough of the company’s packaging is sustainable,” sayss Prof. David Soberman P.Eng., Rotman School of Management. “When it comes to branding, you need to be careful because if you market yourself as a fully sustainable brand, it can backfire if there are things the greenhouse grower is doing that are not sustainable.”
PHOTOS COURTESY HAVEN GREENS
ABOVE Inside the greenhouse at Haven Greens where they are working to incorporate ‘up to 100 per cent PCR plastic in its packaging materials. 24 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
WALKING THE TALK Atlantic Packaging Products, based out of Scarborough, ON, offers, “endto-end packaging solutions” that help companies with their Sustainability Index – a benchmark that scores companies, organizations, etc., on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance – and decrease their carbon footprint using “100% recyclable packaging.” Montreal’s Lufa Farms has six rooftop urban farms that produce more than fifty types of vegetables. “Our customers are very environmentally conscious people, and appreciate their groceries being delivered in reusable baskets, complete with reusable cooler bags and ice packs,” said Caroline Belanger, Lufa’s communications director. “For our rooftop veg, we use a mix of kraft paper bags and transparent produce bags made from corn. These bags are certified compostable and take about six months to break down into organic matter in an industrial compost setting.” Red Sun Farms (Canada), according to their website, offers “peppers packaged in a Polypropylene flow wrap which is a recyclable material.” Their “organic grape tomatoes are packaged in a fiber pint” that is “recyclable/compostable” and “reduces plastic use by over 90%.” Haven Greens CEO, Jay Willmot, said that his company “packs its retail format SKUs into film-sealed trays made of highly recyclable PET plastic.” Haven Greens’ “film uses 90 per cent less plastic than a standard clamshell top, further reducing its carbon footprint, which is also recyclable.” Willmot adds that Haven Greens “continually seeks to shorten long supply chains associated with its various inputs to production and packaging, and in the case of packaging is looking to make the switch to a Canadian packing tray supplier in 2026 capable of achieving Haven Greens’ desire to incorporate up to 100 per cent PCR plastic in its packaging materials.”
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RIGHT: Haven Greens’ packaging film reportedly uses 90 per cent less plastic than a standard clamshell top.
SUSTAINABLE BRANDING Choosing sustainable practices has three main benefits. According to Soberman, the first is “there is always a benefit to being ahead of the curve and doing what is right. It creates a positive feeling amongst people who work for and own the company.” Second, he says, “whether marketing to retailers or directly to consumers, a significant fraction of customers care about it and you can let people know and reap the benefits in a competitive sense.” Finally, Soberman observes, “It is also a form of insurance. Regulations and legislation in the future may “mandate” changes and if you are already doing it, the disruption will be minimal.” Soberman cautions, however, that there will be costs involved: “sustainable packaging and containers may be more expensive”, there may be limited number of suppliers, and the new packaging may not perform as well in terms of “strength and impermeability.” It’s an investment, though, that could pay off in the end as growers can deliver a durable message about the values of their company by emphasizing their sustainability, community responsibility, environmentally friendly values by choosing packaging that is designed to degrade and disappear.
FOR YOUR GROWING ENVIRONMENT
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LIFE UNDER GLASS
Submissions to the 2026 Cover Photo Contest highlight diversity, creativity and shared pride of Canada’s greenhouse sector BY GREENHOUSE CANADA 26 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
Every year selecting the winner of Greenhouse Canada’s Cover Photo contest gets harder and harder because every image sent to us ultimately captures the spirit of the Canadian greenhouse industry. This year, our winning cover shot was sent to us Roberto Cesar Corea, head grower at Jolly Farmer in Northampton, N.B. If that name sounds familiar, it should: Corea was named Greenhouse Canada’s 2025 Grower of the Year. Here’s what Corea had to say about his submission and what the image means to him: “A young petunia cutting grown in the propagation area, displaying vigorous early development and a clean, well-structured root system,” he writes. “The photo highlights the success of controlled greenhouse propagation—showing strong rooting, healthy foliage, and uniform growth under optimal environmental conditions.” We decided on this image as we agreed with Corea’s assessment that this image captures the success of CEA propagation, but also what lies at the heart of this industry: a healthy plant and the person and people who nurture it. The tech in the background serves as a reminder of the sophisticated tools at a growers’ disposal to help grow and thrive, but the light shines on the life of the operation. Thank-you Roberto and everyone who took the time to submit a photo for our 2026 photo contest. Here’s a look at some of the other submissions (which are not organized in any official order): 1. This image was sent to us from Dimitri Karakostas in St. George, NB. The image shows someone cleaning basil plants in one of the greenhouses at Canada Green Nursery and Garden Centre at Dusk. 2. Sent to us from Stewart Cameron of Bayview Flowers in
Jordan Station, ON. Colourful shot of a poinsettia crop at one of the company’s greenhouses. 3. Joanne Blokhuis, of Orchard Park Growers in St. Catharines, ON. She writes: “Greenhouse life is a beautiful space for exploring, curiosity and learning more about this beautiful life we live!” 4. Brad Westerveld shares this vibrant capture of pink Gerbera daisies grown by Pine Ridge Gardens in Dunnville, ON. 5. Arielle DeBoer from Rosa Flora in Dunville, ON, submitted this beautiful shot of “A table set for celebration among the snapdragons — where vibrant blooms meet meaningful moments,” she writes. 6. Green Mountain Health Alliance master grower, Vikrant Dhawan, submitted this close-up of cannabis from their greenhouse in Kaledon, BC. 7. A real action shot was sent in by Crop Defenders’ Andrei Darie from Maidstone, ON. The picture shows “a Brown Lacewing (Micromus variegatus) adult devouring a winged Green Peach Aphid during a greenhouse trial.” 8. This photo sent to us by Jack Wootton from Hawaiian Botanicals Inc. in Richmond BC. He writes: “A specimen of Nepenthes rajah displayed by Andrea inside one of our greenhouses.” 9. Sarah Kane, from Greenbelt Greenhouse in Lynden, ON, sent us this lovely picture and writes: “Photo showcases 7-day-old arugula cotyledons, cultivated by myself in organic soil.” Greenhouse Canada would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a photo for our 2026 Cover Photo Contest. We are thankful for your support, creativity and generosity in sharing your perspective. And, as always, we love seeing the industry from your point of view!
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Continued from page 15 Alternative fresh market channels Some growers supply imperfect vegetables through redistribution companies (such as Odd Bunch), specialty “imperfect” lines for major retailers, or farmers’ markets. Several also reported strong sales to ethnic grocery stores, where consumers are accustomed to natural variability in produce appearance. This observation resonated with findings from our scan of international management of imperfect produce showing that many nonWestern markets do not enforce aesthetic grading standards. Growers also frequently donate produce to charities such as Second Harvest, Gleaners, or Plentiful Harvest. Donations carry both social and financial benefits: Farmers who donate eligible agricultural products to registered charities may receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value of eligible donations and may be able to claim a 25 per cent provincial tax credit – however, actual tax benefits vary based on individual circumstances and CRA rules. Good Samaritan protections in Ontario also reduce liability concerns. Importantly, channels like farmers’ markets, redistribution programs, and donations are effective because they can accommodate fluctuations in availability. Emerging opportunities in processing and upcycling Interest in upcycling imperfect vegetables into new products is on the rise. Potential uses include cold-pressed juices, sauces, salsas, and even cosmetic goods. While inconsistent availability can challenge processing operations, solutions exist. LOOP Mission in Quebec, for example, sources imperfect vegetables, including significant volumes of greenhouse cucumbers, for cold-pressed juices that are sold across the country. The business model of successful companies like LOOP Mission demonstrates that the variable supply of imperfect greenhouse vegetables can be managed through diversified supplier networks or by producing shelfstable products during peak availability. Some Ontario growers have invested in their own small-scale processing lines, such as pickling operations for out-ofspec cucumbers. Across all conversations, one message was consistent: to be viable, greenhouse-based processing must focus on higher-value, small-batch, or local/ sustainable niche markets, not low-cost,
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high-volume products that compete with field-grown produce. Transportation costs were noted as barriers by several manufacturers. This suggests local or on-site processing may be the most economical route, or growers will need to explore more efficient regional distribution solutions. Lessons from abroad Efforts to reduce greenhouse vegetable waste in Canada remain early-stage compared to countries like the Netherlands. We spoke with Food Fellows, launched in 2017 by Harvest House − the largest Dutch growers’ co-op. In 2024 alone, they repurposed roughly 3,000 tonnes of imperfect greenhouse tomatoes and peppers into sauces and purees. Food Fellows attributed their success to several factors some of which echo Canadian sector insights: • Focusing on higher-value products, supported by strong sustainability and local-food storytelling • Optimizing transport and consolidation of operations, for example by sourcing from larger growers
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Co-branding with established food companies and retailers to build trust and gain access to privatelabel programs These lessons demonstrate that scalable, profitable models for greenhouse discard utilization already exist and can inform Canadian approaches. A concern that came up with members of the greenhouse sector was that selling greenhouse tomatoes into the processing sector could depress their perceived higher value reputation in the fresh market. To this, it’s valuable to get perspective from another industry. In the apple sector, the highest grades of fruit are sold to the fresh market, apples with minor imperfections are typically sold to food service or bakeries while edible apples with more obvious aesthetic issues are sold for juicing. Apple prices in lower grades are not tied to prices of fresh market apples. In fact, some apple varieties that fetch the highest fresh market prices have among the lowest prices in the processing market due to being more difficult to process. Thus, any new uses for lower-grade greenhouse vegetables should be viewed as a potential revenue source rather than a risk to the reputation of No.1 grade vegetables.
LOOKING AHEAD Greenhouse growers in Canada are at a pivotal moment. With increasing consumer interest in sustainability, rising costs of production, and ongoing pressure to reduce food waste, opportunities to repurpose imperfect vegetables are more compelling than ever. Continued investment, partnership, and experimentation will be essential, but the foundation is already in place. As costs of production rise, the greenhouse sector is well positioned to improve yield recovery while transitioning toward a more circular, less wasteful food system. This research was funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership through the Clean Technologies program. Dr. Alexandra Grygorczyk is a Research Scientist specializing in waste reduction at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and can be reached at alexandra.grygorczyk@ vinelandresearch. Kaitlyn Carr is the Sustainability Analyst at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and can be reached at Kaitlyn.carr@ vinelandresearch.com.
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INSIDE VIEW
GARY JONES | greenhousewolf@gmail.com
State of the industry, call to action A State of the Industry’ overview often considers prices, yields, new products/trends, pests/diseases, and general levels of optimism. Those factors are always interesting. But a similar ‘State of the Industry’ overview in the UK recently took a much higher-level view and resulted in an open letter being sent to the UK government suggesting a number of calls to action1. Led by Dr. Sven Batke of Edgehill University and the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium, the overview looked at the ‘Challenges and Constraints’ facing the UK greenhouse industry, identifying: • Aging greenhouse infrastructure (70% is more than 40 years old!) • Low levels of automation • Low (5-10% uptake of supplemental lighting which is missing up to 40% yield increase • Persistent labour shortages • Low adoption (<1%) of specialised glazing that could increase crop yields, and • Slow approvals for new or expansion of existing greenhouses, limited tailored lending opportunities and low government support’.2
What’s particularly interesting to me is that this industry overview and subsequent letter for action was spearheaded by a university and a consortium of industry partners, not grower associations or councils. We have organizations at different levels of ‘oversight’, such as the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC), who do stellar work advocating on behalf of all sectors of agriculture in BC. And as of Feb 2025, BC had a 16-member ‘Premier’s Task Force on Agriculture and Food Economy’3. Co-chaired by BCAC executive director Danielle Synotte, BC Food and Beverage CEO James Donaldson, and BCMAF deputy minister Michelle Koski, “the Task Force met to discuss five key topics: water, competitiveness, labour and talent, land, and investment”, and on Nov 24th, published their “32 recommendations for government to consider, all aimed to help strengthen B.C.’s agriculture and food economy. To ensure their ideas are implemented, the Task Force also recommends that industry keeps track of progress and government action.”3 Nationally, there are organizations like the Canadian
“But, I wonder, is it a case of ‘the more voices the better’?” Does it strike you that many of these factors equally apply to the greenhouse industry in Canada? Having identified these issues, the review suggested ‘opportunities and areas for investment’: • ’Need to modernise or retrofit 300-500ha of infrastructure, requiring £1-2billion • Potential for significant expansion (+50%) • Develop clusters or co-location of greenhouses to facilitate use of waste heat and/or CO2integration • Build automation and data tech (with potential for 10-30% better labour productivity), and • Use of low carbon heat, through transition to heat pumps and thermal storage’.2 As a result, Dr. Batke and the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium provided a few suggestions to the UK Government (at national and district levels): • ‘Greenhouse modernisation grants, to support retrofits and efficiency upgrades • Low carbon heat contracts, with incentives to develop heat pumps and waste heat use • Accelerated approvals for low carbon expansion • Support for innovation that focuses on automation, robotics and data tech, and • Public procurement targets that priorities (UK-) grown produce in sourcing’.2 30 GREENHOUSE CANADA - January/February 2026
Federation of Agriculture who are also doing great advocacy work on topics pertinent to our sector. But, I wonder, is it a case of ‘the more voices the better’? Particularly those who have ‘skin in the game’, like supplier companies and university researchers. It probably needs to be a co-ordinated, concerted effort with all parties, to avoid confusion and mixed messaging, and we definitely should not undermine the good work of the organizations already mentioned. Ultimately though, I wonder, are there any universities and/or suppliers who want to step up to be part of this voice like our UK counterparts? Dr. Sven Batke, Edgehill University and Chair, Greenhouse Innovation Consortium. Open letter to UK Govt. “Six Steps towards a national plan of protected horticulture: A call for coordinated action” (Oct 2025) 2 Dr. Sven Batke, “UK Greenhouse market overview 2025”. (Nov 2025) 3 B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, “Premier’s Task Force on Agriculture and Food Economy” (Nov 24, 2025). 1
Gary Jones has worked in many aspects of the horticulture industry in BC, the UK, and elsewhere, and welcomes comments at greenhousewolf@gmail.com.
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Join Us as We Innovate New Plants for New Possiblities
Walters Gardens is the largest wholesale grower of bare root perennials in North America with an incredibly wide selection of varieties. These plants have an extra growing season on them than most greenhouse crops, for a larger, faster finishing product.
Through our dedicated plant development program, we meticulously breed and trial new varieties to introduce unique and superior plants that set new market standards. Our extensive selection of perennials, features top exclusive genetics from our own hybridizing program and renowned hybridizers worldwide.
Let Us Be Your Source for Top Quality Greenhouse Liners Our plants are grown using a combination of the latest greenhouse technologies and IPM methods. Most of our liners are easy to transplant Elle Plugs, while others are traditional loose fill plugs or mesh sleeved Growcoons. The type of plug used is based upon the specific needs of the plant.
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Your Home for Proven Winners® Perennials www.WaltersGardens.com - 1-888-925-8377 - sales@waltersgardens.com