Growing Green 

Not only does March mean the beginning of the Spring, but also St. Patrick’s Day. Many people go all out in green to celebrate but pickOntario takes going green to a whole new level. The greenhouse industry is held to some of the highest “green” standards in the world. Greenhouse growers are under strict regulations by several agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Environment Canada, Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and many more.  This means that Ontario flowers and plants are some of the safest products in the world. 

How does pickOntario support the reduction of energy use and water? We encourage consumers to buy locally grown flowers and potted plants.  Buying local produces fewer emissions from shipping, transporting and production to be released into the air we breathe, which is a great goal to strive towards. pickOntario centers on promoting local growers to ensure that customers realize Ontario grown products help accomplish this goal. 

Ontario greenhouses are also working to preserve and enhance both the natural environment and renewable resources. Most Ontario greenhouses are state of the art and have implemented water recirculation programs. This results in increased water conservation and reduced costs to greenhouse growers. Through regulations enforced by PMRA and CFIA and best practices production techniques, greenhouse growers do not use toxic substances that cause serious long term effects on our environment. Instead, the growing process is controlled allowing for toxin free fertilizers and pesticides. Many producers are switching to integrated pest management which virtually eliminates all pesticide sprays.

Look for pickOntario labels in your local store.  By purchasing locally grown products ensures you are reducing your carbon footprint which puts you on the right track of “going green”.