New Appointment Bolsters Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Advocacy and Outreach.

Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) announced on January 7, 2025, in Leamington, Ontario, that Matt Marchand has been appointed as the organization’s new Public Affairs and Policy Analyst.

Marchand will be responsible for guiding policy strategies, fostering relationships with governmental bodies, and working to ensure that key stakeholders understand the critical role of greenhouse vegetable farming across the province.

His appointment reflects OGVG’s ongoing efforts to support Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable producers through robust advocacy and communication at all levels of government, and he officially joins the organization at a time when the greenhouse sector is poised for further growth.

By assuming this new position, Marchand is expected to build upon his extensive experience in business, government, and community engagement.

According to the press release, he has demonstrated a proven ability to connect diverse interests and deliver impactful outcomes, which is instrumental as OGVG seeks to advance its mission of representing more than 170 greenhouse farmers who cultivate over 4,100 acres of peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

These operations not only serve as essential providers of fresh produce but also contribute significantly to Canada’s food security by adopting innovative approaches to increase sustainability and productivity.

With Marchand’s background in economics, political science, and commerce, he appears well prepared to handle the responsibility of aligning the sector’s policies with both governmental priorities and consumer needs.

Matt Marchand earned a Masters of Economics and Political Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, supplemented by an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor.

His academic achievements supported his roles as President and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and, more recently, as a consultant for IG Wealth Management.

In these capacities, he honed his expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and policy advocacy.

Such qualifications are expected to be advantageous in his new position at OGVG, where he will help bolster relationships between the greenhouse sector and governmental agencies, ensuring that Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable farmers remain well represented in policy discussions and decision making processes.

“I am very pleased that Matt has decided to join our team and provide his extensive experience and proven track record in business, government, and community relations. His strategic vision and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization.”

Richard Lee, Executive Director, OGVG.

This official statement underscores OGVG’s confidence that Marchand will bring fresh perspectives to both existing and emerging challenges facing the greenhouse industry.

Under his leadership, the organization intends to focus on continuing to foster innovation in growing practices, engaging policymakers in discussions about the economic benefits of greenhouse farming, and strengthening outreach efforts to elevate the public’s awareness of greenhouse vegetables.

As the new Public Affairs and Policy Analyst, Marchand’s responsibilities will extend beyond policy recommendations to include clear communication about the greenhouse sector’s contributions to Ontario’s economy and food supply.

One of the principal objectives is to emphasize the 6% average growth rate the sector has achieved over the past decade, which sets the stage for a projected 5% annual expansion over the next ten years.

By highlighting these figures, OGVG hopes to show that Ontario’s greenhouse production is not only meeting current demand but also positioning itself to address future challenges in food security on both a national and global scale.

Marchand’s role also involves promoting ongoing research and the adoption of emerging technologies, essential elements in a rapidly evolving agricultural environment.

In light of this appointment, OGVG continues to uphold its commitment to representing the interests of greenhouse producers who have consistently prioritized quality, innovation, and sustainability.

As agricultural innovators, Ontario’s greenhouse farmers have leveraged state of the art techniques often developed through ongoing scientific research to optimize yields while reducing environmental footprints.

By allocating resources to the investigation and implementation of novel applications, these growers can reinforce Canada’s domestic food supply and strengthen its role as a key player in meeting global food needs.

Marchand’s arrival is expected to advance OGVG’s mission by ensuring that the organization’s messages about these innovations reach the right audiences, from consumers to policymakers.