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Natural gas expansion plans good news for growers: TOGA

April 26, 2015, Leamington, Ont. – Ontario’s 2015 budget included some good news for Ontario’s greenhouse sector.

“News that the government is pursuing expansion of natural gas infrastructure in the province is important for our sector,” said Jan Vanderhout, chair of The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance.

“Our greenhouse farms are proof of the return these investments can yield in job creation and economic growth. However this is just a start. We will need to make sure that the details of these programs enable the province to maximizing the returns for taxpayers’ investment.”

In order to continue to support a growing greenhouse sector, Vanderhout said “the government needs to consider both under-serviced as well as un-serviced areas of the province as part of its plan to utilize natural gas infrastructure as an engine of growth.”

Many greenhouse operations have access to natural gas now but not at the level needed for reliable supply throughout the winter months. The infrastructure serving these operations needs to be upgraded and expanded.

“We look forward to working with the Ontario government to collaboratively address challenges to keep us globally competitive,” said Vanderhout. “Our greenhouse farms continue to invest and grow. The government can support us with its “open for business” commitment.”

TOGA represents Ontario’s greenhouse growers through its member organizations, the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and Flowers Canada (Ontario).