In Alberta, the days are long in the summer and very short in the winter. Now, it’s winter and the end of 2024 has come to an end. A good occasion to talk to Michiel Verheul, president of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association (AGGA), to reflect on the past year. The AGGA consists of 400 independent growers that mostly grow vegetables, ornamentals, or bedding plants. Overall, Verheul thinks it was a good year for Alberta growers. “A cold start to the year that affected us all with low light hindering production, and cold nights – even frost – in most areas into June. Then summer showed up and all was forgotten. Followed by a ‘so far’ excellent fall which makes our outlook to longer days a lot easier to take.”
This year, the sector also had to cope with challenges from time to time, including water shortages and forest fires. Verheul emphasizes that the cooperative spirit among members helped them through. And he shares some of the AGGA’s plans and priorities for 2025.
Early in the calendar year, Verheul and Anna de Paoli (Consultant/Lobbyist at the AGGA) were talking about a quiet, serene time. However, soon they were confronted with water shortages because there was a low snowfall last winter. And then water mains started crumbling in Calgary. Followed by drought came the forest fires. Verheul: “We feel for the citizens and businesses that suffered losses during that time. Thankfully, eventually, the rain came.” Yet, he emphasizes that water shortages could return in the future, and that the AGGA is constantly watching developments and participate as stakeholders.
In the light of these and other challenges Verheul believes that cooperation and information sharing are essential. “We are all very lucky to be part of the AGGA. We as an Alberta industry feel we should do our part and help others. We have surrounded ourselves with highly qualified people. Dr Mirza, de Paoli and her staff, are top-notch and steer us through rough terrain.” Each year, the AGGA holds their annual meet and greet where the board invites all members and non-members to visit greenhouse operations in a certain area of the province. This year it was Medicine hat, in early September the board and 37 growers gathered for this day. Click here to read more about it.
For the coming year, the AGGA will continue to highlight the importance of the foreign worker program, Verheul shares. Currently, Canada has an understanding with Mexico. Verheul: “Like many other countries our industry relies on foreign workers. Our program has been in effect since the 60s, but it is under constant scrutiny from the governments. And for 2027 we can expect changes. We find out in bits and pieces what this may look like, and again as a stakeholder we remain involved and defend the foreign worker program. We are a small player when it comes to national numbers of workers in our province but we throw our support behind Ontario and B.C to make a united front.”
Another priority is the rising costs. Paul Doef, the AGGA’s treasurer is going to present a draft budget for the upcoming year. “We have not done this for many years, but believe it’s important. We see increased costs. Paul, David and I looked at it very hard and feel we run a very lean association. Paul will lay out what we think we should do,” he adds.
At the same time the AGGA board is seeing that growers are continuing to expand, stating that Alberta is one of the fastest growing provinces in the country so more greenhouses are opening to supply consumers with annual bedding plants, baskets, planters and smaller pots to plant at home or fill flower beds. “2024 saw a return to sales levels almost the same as during the pandemic.” They also expect that population growth will come with an increased demand for food and increased food production Alberta. “Alberta now produces year-round strawberries in greenhouses, as well as hydroponic lettuce together with all the vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, any type size and color, peppers, and a lot of other greenhouse vegetables.”
The other good news, Verheul says, is that the days get longer and that is only two months till Spring. “You see it’s almost here,” he concludes.
For more information:
Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association
www.agga.ca
