Windsor-Essex’s greenhouse sector — a vital contributor to Ontario’s economy — is bracing for significant fallout as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatens a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports.
“You’re looking at job losses of upwards towards 29,000 people,” said Richard Lee, Executive Director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG).
OGVG represents 4,100 acres of greenhouse farming across Ontario, employing some 35,000 people provincewide, with 79 to 80 per cent of the acreage located in Essex County.
“Essex County is small, but the reality comes down to it is, you know someone or a family member that’s connected to food security, growing greenhouse vegetables, or part of that value chain,” Lee said.
“It will impact a lot of people across Ontario.”
With 85 per cent of greenhouse crops exported to the U.S., the tariffs would ripple through the economy, leading to job losses and higher grocery bills.
“There’s no way that the current supply chain can absorb that kind of increase,” Lee said.
“Demand will decrease… But some of those costs will increase because costs of reductions will increase as well.”
The U.S. President recently set a Feb. 1 deadline for imposing the tariffs, which has left Ontario’s greenhouse sector scrambling to prepare.
Lee said OGVG is doing everything possible to mitigate the potential damage.
“The plan of attack is prepare for the worst, expect the best,” he said.
“We’re making sure that our members are aware of the consequences and are implementing mitigation strategies to ensure the free flow of produce.”
The timing couldn’t be worse, he added, with a provincial election about to get underway and a federal election on the horizon.
“Perfect storm. Probably the worst time for our prime minister to resign,” Lee said.
“We’re cognizant that they are working with industry and all these sectors that will be potentially impacted and have a contingency plan ready to execute.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently addressed the issue, emphasizing Canada’s aim to avoid the tariffs altogether.
“One goal — not to figure out how to manage these tariffs and live with them over the long term, but to figure out how to get them removed as quickly as possible,” Trudeau said.
While Trudeau remains focused on resolution, Lee acknowledges the uncertainty and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for all outcomes.
“At the end of the day, it’s going to hurt,” Lee said.
“But if we’re unified and we can work together, then I believe it’ll be a positive for everyone.”
