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In 2005 Statistics Canada reported 55 greenhouse operations in the province with
629,900 square feet of space. Farm cash receipts were valued at $6.4 million in
2005. The main crops
grown are ornamental bedding plants, potted plants and vegetable
transplants. Newfoundland produces close to 90% of the bedding plant
and 100% of the vegetable transplant commodities.
This is a growing sector in this province with many
opportunities including:
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the ability to maintain our share of the bedding plant and
vegetable transplants market. Bedding plants imported into the
province the past number of years are putting a downward pressure
on the prices of locally grown plants and are beginning to take
some share of the low end market. To maintain our market share,
we need to provide better quality plants, reduce production costs
and provide better customer service.
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meeting the expected expansion in the market because of the
aging population, concerns for the environment and an increased
interest in gardening.
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growing greenhouse vegetables in greenhouse space during
the off season for bedding and potted plants.
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producing some of the imported nursery stock, trees and
shrubs. The advantages of locally produced stock are lower
costs (transportation) and locally produced material may be better
climatized.
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there may also be a market for locally propagated native
species.
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local nurseries could also promote the sale of the other local
products such as peat, compost, soil mixes, building stone and
nursery sod.
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Greenhouse producers also face the challenges of higher production
costs, smaller operations and a small market.
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