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Winners from annual Greenhouse Competitions announced

Several greenhouse growers in Essex County, Ontario, have earned significant bragging rights after some of their products earned top honours in the 17th annual Greenhouse Competitions.

In a recent press release, R.E.A.C.H International announced the delicious results of its 17th annual Greenhouse Competitions which feature categories like ‘The Hottest Tomato,’ ‘The Perfect Pepper,’ ‘The Coolest Cucumber’ and ‘Best Berry.’

Proceeds from the charitable competitions go towards supporting children in Uganda by providing items like school supplies, medicine, food and other essentials to break the cycle of poverty.

“After 17 years, it is wonderful to witness the enthusiastic embrace of the competitions by the Greenhouse Industry in Essex County, which eagerly anticipates the event each year,” said Art Barron, President of R.E.A.C.H. International, in the release.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and contestants, we have raised over $250,000, supporting hundreds of children’s education, building infrastructure, and enhancing the health and wellness of the communities we serve in Uganda.”

The Greenhouse Competitions, presented in part by farm sponsors SUNSET/Mastronardi Produce Ltd. and Nature Fresh Farms, started June 5th with 184 entries. Entries were numbered and sorted by volunteers and then evaluated by expert judges from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), grocery store produce managers, and Culinary Guild of Windsor Chefs. They judged entries with a specialized list of criteria developed by Head Judge, Shalin Khosla.

“This event not only brings attention to the greenhouse industry but also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the origins of their food,” said Carlos Visconti, CEO of Red Sun Farms, in a separate press release announcing their company’s Greenhouse Competitions wins.

“It is a great honour to have our efforts acknowledged by a community dedicated to achieving greenhouse perfection.”

Winners were honoured at an awards ceremony held at the Kingsville Community Church in Kingsville, Ont., recently, where they received trophies, plaques of recognition and, of course, bragging rights.

Below are the results from the competition. (Sources: R.E.A.CH and Red Sun Farms)

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