Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Receives Chatham-Kent Business Excellence Award for Sustainability
June 8, 2026 | 2 min to read
Leamington, ON – Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) is proud to announce it has received the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Sustainability, a recognition that reflects the leadership and commitment of greenhouse growers across the Chatham-Kent region.
Chatham‑Kent is home to one of Ontario’s most significant greenhouse clusters. Greenhouse vegetable farms in the region represent over 550 acres of production, making it the second largest concentration of greenhouses in the province. This strong local presence positions Chatham‑Kent growers at the forefront of sustainable, controlled‑environment agriculture.
“This award is really a reflection of the growers in Chatham‑Kent and across Ontario,” said Richard Lee, Executive Director, OGVG. “Growers in this region have made significant investments in technology and sustainable practices, while continuing to support their local communities. Their leadership is helping shape the future of food production.”
Greenhouse growers in Chatham‑Kent are recognized for their commitment to producing fresh, locally grown vegetables year‑round using advanced and environmentally responsible methods. Through innovations such as water recirculation systems, energy efficiency improvements, and integrated pest management, growers are reducing their environmental footprint while increasing productivity.
These efforts not only strengthen environmental sustainability but also deliver meaningful benefits locally. The greenhouse sector plays a critical role in supporting jobs, driving economic growth, and reinforcing the vitality of rural and urban communities throughout Chatham‑Kent.
At the centre of this success are the growers themselves. Multi‑generational farming families and agricultural entrepreneurs whose continued investment in innovation and stewardship ensures long‑term sustainability for the sector.
OGVG works in partnership with its members, along with researchers, government, and industry stakeholders, to advance initiatives that support sustainable growth while maintaining a reliable supply of safe, high‑quality vegetables.
“This recognition belongs to our growers and to the Chatham‑Kent community that supports them,” added Lee. “Their shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community is what makes achievements like this possible.”
OGVG extends sincere appreciation to the Chatham‑Kent Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and acknowledges the continued leadership of greenhouse growers in building a more sustainable future for the region.
About Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable sector is a global leader in controlled environment agriculture, producing fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers year-round. Built on innovation, sustainability, and strong community roots, the industry is a cornerstone of Ontario’s agri-food economy.