University of Windsor and FVGC partner to strengthen Canada’s greenhouse sector

A partnership is blooming between the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Of Canada and the University Of Windsor. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has details.

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) and the University of Windsor have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to tackle key challenges facing Canada’s greenhouse vegetable sector, including energy resilience, sustainability, and economic growth.

The partnership aims to accelerate the development of Canadian-made strategies that integrate cutting-edge research, technology, and policy, ensuring a thriving and competitive greenhouse industry.

“This collaboration with the University of Windsor highlights the innovation that characterizes Canada’s fruit and vegetable growers,” said Marcus Janzen, President of FVGC.

“Now more than ever, we need smart food policies that strengthen food security, drive economic growth, and support the resilience of Canadian agriculture.”

Both organizations say they recognize the urgent need for homegrown solutions. FVGC’s Greenhouse Vegetable Working Group plays a vital role in shaping policy and regulatory decisions that promote profitability and sustainability, enhance market access and trade, and maintain a competitive growth agenda.

A key initiative of this effort is the Canadian Greenhouse Excellence Network (CGEN), a sector-led national strategy designed to address complex challenges with evidence-based policies that balance economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

The University of Windsor’s Agriculture UWindsor (AgUWin) initiative complements these efforts by focusing on integrating innovative technologies, scientific advancements, and educational programming to benefit the greenhouse and broader agricultural sectors.

“The University of Windsor’s extensive expertise in automation, energy, industrial engineering, and talent development lends itself extremely well to solving complex agricultural challenges,” said Dr. Shanthi Johnson, UWindsor’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

“The partnership will help to embed the express and real needs of the sector into the University’s educational programming and research pipeline.”

Located in Essex County, Ontario — home to the largest greenhouse agricultural acreage in North America and second globally only to the Netherlands — the University of Windsor is well-positioned to provide the infrastructure, expertise, and experience necessary to advance greenhouse innovation, officials said.

As Canada navigates the complexities of food security, sustainable energy, and economic resilience, partnerships like this one are essential for ensuring a strong fruit and vegetable sector.

Richard Lee, Vice Chair of FVGC’s Greenhouse Vegetable Working Group, emphasized the industry’s significance.

“Greenhouse vegetable growers contribute $4.8 billion annually to Canada’s economy, supporting year-round jobs and the supply of fresh, nutritious produce for all Canadians,” he said.

“We need evidence-based policies, feasible on-farm energy options, research, innovation, and funding incentives to position the sector for success.”

In a media release officials noted that the FVGC remains committed to uniting industry partners and advocating for policies that drive innovation, ensuring the challenges faced by Canada’s fruit and vegetable growers are met with practical, forward-thinking solutions.