Canada: Greenhouse area expands with year-round vegetable demand

Demand for fresh vegetables year-round continued to drive growth in greenhouse vegetables in Canada. Total greenhouse area used to produce vegetables increased 22.5% from 135.1 million square feet in 2011 to 165.4 million square feet in 2016. Greenhouse, Sod and Nursery Survey data confirm the increase in greenhouse vegetable growth as greenhouse cucumber production (in pounds) rose 16.7%, and greenhouse pepper production (in pounds) rose 50.7% between 2011 and 2016.

Over the last 50 years, the average total area under glass per agricultural operation has nearly quadrupled, from over 15,000 square feet compared to just under 58,000 square feet. Greenhouse area for flower and vegetable production continued to be situated primarily in Ontario (60.4%), British Columbia (21.1%) and Quebec (10.0%). Greenhouse vegetable area was nearly double that of greenhouse flower area, 165.4 million square feet versus 85.4 million square feet. Since 1996, greenhouse vegetable area has more than tripled, increasing 265.2%. Greenhouse flower area continued to decline after reaching its peak of 99.9 million square feet in 2006.

Area of greenhouse vegetables and greenhouse flowers, Canada, 1996 to 2016

Nearly one in three greenhouse operations in Canada reported using greenhouse automation technology. Those reporting greenhouse automation had facilities that were over nine times larger, on average, than those not reporting the use of this technology (just over 152,400 square feet compared to just over 16,600 square feet). The use of greenhouse automation is one example of the various innovative methods that greenhouse operations utilize. Irrigation systems, solar heating, and wood boiler heaters are other methods used to cut down on operating costs and allow operations to run more efficiently.

Source: Statistics Canada