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\u2019s greenhouse vegetable sector, including energy resilience, sustainability, and economic growth<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 industr<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis collaboration with the University of Windsor highlights the innovation that characterizes Canada\u2019s fruit and vegetable growers,\u201d said Marcus Janzen, President of FVGC<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow more than ever, we need smart food policies that strengthen food security, drive economic growth, and support the resilience of Canadian agriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both organizations say they recognize the urgent need for homegrown solutions. FVGC\u2019s 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Windsor\u2019s 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe University of Windsor\u2019s extensive expertise in automation, energy, industrial engineering, and talent development lends itself extremely well to solving complex agricultural challenges,\u201d said Dr. Shanthi Johnson, UWindsor\u2019s Vice-President, Research and Innovation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe partnership will help to embed the express and real needs of the sector into the University\u2019s educational programming and research pipeline.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located in Essex County, Ontario \u2014 home to the largest greenhouse agricultural acreage in North America and second globally only to the Netherlands \u2014 the University of Windsor is well-positioned to provide the infrastructure, expertise, and experience necessary to advance greenhouse innovation, officials said<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard Lee, Vice Chair of FVGC\u2019s Greenhouse Vegetable Working Group, emphasized the industry\u2019s significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreenhouse vegetable growers contribute $4.8 billion annually to Canada\u2019s economy, supporting year-round jobs and the supply of fresh, nutritious produce for all Canadians,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need evidence-based policies, feasible on-farm energy options, research, innovation, and funding incentives to position the sector for success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s fruit and vegetable growers are met with practical, forward-thinking solutions<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":33976,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"format":"standard"},"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"jnews_post_split":[],"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n