A recent survey shows that the greenhouse vegetable-growing industry has strong backing from locals, who also have expectations for how it should engage with their communities.
This research presents a great chance for candidates in this fall’s municipal elections to promise balanced, forward-thinking policies that encourage growth and meet community needs while involving the greenhouse sector.
The survey was carried out by Campaign Research in Kingsville and Chatham-Kent from April 9 to April 17.
It revealed that 91 per cent of Chatham-Kent residents believe the greenhouse sector benefits their community. In Kingsville, this figure was even higher at 92 per cent.
Nonetheless, 92 per cent of respondents feel local governments should take an active role in guiding and supporting greenhouse and agricultural development.
“The greenhouse sector is not just an agricultural sector. It is one of the economic engines that helps sustain families, businesses, and community services across the region,” said Executive Director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Richard Lee. “As the greenhouse sector continues to expand, we recognize that growth must go hand-in-hand with community dialogue and responsible planning.”
Nine out of ten respondents agree that the greenhouse sector creates valuable jobs, 92 per cent think it’s essential for their community’s long-term future, and 97 per cent support produce grown in Ontario or Canada.
Nearly a third of those surveyed identified environmental issues, pollution, and resource use as top concerns. Other worries highlighted include job impacts on the economy and labor-related matters.
“These findings reinforce that support for greenhouse agriculture comes with an expectation of accountability,” added Lee. “We are committed to listening, improving, and working collaboratively with communities to ensure our growth reflects local values.”
The survey is considered accurate with a margin of error of +/- 4.6 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
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