New community research shows overwhelming public support for the greenhouse vegetable sector across Kingsville and Chatham-Kent.

According to a recent survey conducted by Campaign Research (April 9 - 17, 2026), more than 9 in 10 residents (91% in Chatham-Kent and 92% in Kingsville) agree the greenhouse sector is a net benefit in their community. In addition, 88 per cent of residents support continued job creation and investment from the sector, reflecting strong public backing for its economic role.

While support is clear, residents also expressed expectations for how the sector participates in their communities.

With 92 per cent of respondents calling for local governments to actively guide and support greenhouse and agricultural development, the findings underscore the central role they play in shaping responsible growth and responding to community expectations.

“The greenhouse sector is not just an agricultural sector — it is one of the economic engines that helps sustain local families, businesses, and community services across the region. As the greenhouse sector continues to expand, we recognize that growth must go hand in hand with community dialogue and responsible planning,” said Richard Lee, executive director, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG).

“Residents value the jobs, food production and economic activity our sector creates, but they also expect thoughtful planning to address local priorities that include infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community investment. We share that responsibility.”

The research confirms that residents recognize the sector’s contributions to both local and provincial economies:

• -  9 in 10 residents agree the greenhouse sector creates meaningful employment
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• -  92% say the sector is important to the long-term future of their community
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• -  97% support Ontario/Canadian-grown produce, reinforcing the importance of local food production

In Ontario, the greenhouse vegetable sector supports more than 37,000 jobs across the value chain and continues to be a major contributor to year-round food production, economic resilience, and regional development.

The study also provides important insight into community concerns and expectations, which will inform future collaboration between the sector and municipalities:

• -  30% of residents identified environment, pollution, and resource use as their top concern
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• -  Other concerns included jobs and economic impacts (14%) and labour-related issues (8%)

Residents also highlighted expectations for the sector to:

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• -  Continue creating jobs (97%)
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• -  Increase community investment through support for youth programs, parks, local initiatives

“These findings reinforce that support for greenhouse agriculture comes with an expectation of accountability,” added Lee. “We are committed to listening, improving, and working collaboratively with communities to ensure our growth reflects local values.” 

With municipal elections approaching, the research highlights a clear opportunity for local leaders and candidates to:

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• -  Recognize the broad public support for the greenhouse sector
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• -  Incorporate balanced, forward-looking policies that support both growth and community priorities
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• -  Engage constructively with industry to ensure responsible, sustainable development

As communities look ahead, the results underscore the greenhouse sector’s importance as a key economic driver, backed by strong public support and recognized as essential to the region’s continued growth and prosperity.

About the research

The study was conducted by Campaign Research between April 9 and April 17, 2026, across Kingsville and Chatham-Kent.

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• -  Margin of error of +/- 4.6%, 19 times out of 20
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• -  Results weighted by age, gender, and region based on Statistics Canada data

Source: Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers June 16, 2026 news release