Canada's greenhouse industry tackles definition of greenhouse production

Friday, October 4, 2013

by SUSAN MANN

The Canadian greenhouse industry is revamping the national definition of greenhouse production.

The definition for greenhouse production in Canada was implemented in 2011 but George Gilvesy, general manager of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, says “it’s a live document and we’re looking at making some amendments to it. As time goes on, we’re finding some things that need changes.”

Gilvesy says the Canadian Horticultural Council’s greenhouse committee is working on some wording changes “because of the applicability by different provinces of their own” regulations and how the definition fits in with those rules.

The committee will be submitting a final definition to government agencies “so we can have a common definition across the country,” he says.

A common definition ensures there is a harmonized interpretation across Canada and across government agencies, he explains. It also adds clarity in marketing to consumers.

The September issue of the Canadian Horticultural Council’s monthly newsletter, Hort Shorts, says the committee is submitting the definition as an industry priority through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s modernization initiative. BF