#GrowWithMVG

History of MVGA

Cluster Concept

In 2003, a White Paper was written by Dr. Neil Reid from the University of Toledo and Dr. Michael Carroll from Bowling Green State University, assessing the competitive challenges facing northwest Ohio's greenhouse nursery industry.  The paper focused on the floriculture industry and its impact on the region.  Initial findings were not encouraging.  In a 2004 survey of northwest Ohio greenhouse growers, 15% indicated they were planning to downsize or close within the next five years. 

This information led to multi-year projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The research team comprises faculty and staff from The University of Toledo and the Ohio State University.  The assistance of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur in securing these funds for this project has been invaluable, and without her passion for agriculture and our region, MVGA would not exist today.

As a result of this collaboration, efforts focused on organizing northwest Ohio's greenhouse industry as an industrial cluster.  The objective of an industrial cluster was to encourage individual growers to work with each other and with academic, government, and community partners to solve problems and address challenges facing the industry collaboratively.  Since then, northwest Ohio greenhouse growers have had the opportunity to work together under the umbrella of the Maumee Valley Growers Association (MVGA).   

In 2009, several businesses evaluated and adjusted their operations due to greater awareness of industry best practices and modest facility improvements.  Twenty-three (23) companies participated in energy audits resulting in energy conservation measures and efficiency applications.  Gas usage was down as much as 60% for some growers, with the average being around 47%.  Also, two growers applied for and received REAP grants from the federal government to supplement the installation of their wind turbines.

MVGA Evolution  

Also, that year, MVGA established its first advertising collaborative purchasing program in the spring of 2009, resulting in up to 70% discounts to participating growers.  Later that year, almost 60% of the greenhouse growers in northwest Ohio indicated they were optimistic about the future of their business.  They attributed this optimism directly to their participation in Maumee Valley Growers.

In 2011, MVGA received its 501(C)6 non-profit status and reached a level of sustainability in 2014 generated in part by an income stream generated to the association by their energy programs involving both the purchase of natural gas and electricity.  This pooling initiative has since been expanded over a multi-state region, saving participating growers significant dollars not ordinarily available to them as individual businesses. 

During that period, more valuable programs were added, such as a greenhouse supply purchasing program through Monrovia in 2010 and North Branch Nursery beginning in 2014, which offered member discounts.

More valuable programs were added during that period, such as a greenhouse supply purchasing program through Monrovia in 2010 and North Branch Nursery beginning in 2014, which offered member discounts. 2016 provided the opportunity for MVGA to expand its floriculture focus by adding a food division.  These two agricultural divisions complement each other, with many of MVGA's members providing both flowers and produce to their customers.

MVGA completed a two-year $133,470 implementation grant in 2017 by establishing itself as a food Value Chain Coordinator (food hub) representing nearly 20 small farmers in the region.  A new 24/7 procurement software system designed by Azoti, a Columbus company, became the backbone of all procurement orders.  A food safety program was started assisting farmers with safety guides, mock walk-through inspections & future GAP certification.

In late 2017, MVGA was awarded a two-year $70,000 Specialty Crop grant to establish the food hub as a self-funding, sustainable organization at the grant's conclusion in 2019.  Certifying more growers in food safety and the establishment of predetermined sales commitments (Demand Plan) by produce buyers was the cornerstone to goal attainment and sustainability in both 2018 and 2019.

Each year, MVGA sponsors a Winter Conference, Retail Roundtable, Spring, or Summer Family outing culminating in an Annual meeting bringing all members together for more education, certification, and networking opportunities.

 Current Status

Strategically increasing geographic outreach and implementing innovative operational efficiencies have been vital to the MVGA's economic sustainability within the food industry.  Insight and intelligence gained through partner relationships with academia remain vitally important.  MVGA continues to promote educational programs offering practical and profitable solutions to the betterment of its member operations and their impact on their community.

In early 2020, MVGA determined that its food division would not be sustainable without the continued support of a grant.  This was unfortunate since program traction was gradually taking hold.  The goal of doubling sales in 2018 & 2019 was not achieved due to limited farmer interest and decreased produce purchasing by established buyers.  Officially, the food hub suspended all activities in northwest Ohio as of 2020. 

The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 affected virtually everyone.  Food supply chains were severely impacted, especially farmer/distributor/food bank relationships.  Food safety became paramount, especially with handling and new employee requirements.  Interestingly, farmer sales directly to consumers spiked with small to medium-sized farmers quickly "selling out" produce inventory. 

On the floriculture side, the effects of COVID-19 were also substantial.  Although retail sales were sluggish in April, late May and even June established new sales records for most flower growers!  Customers were purchasing plants inside and outside their homes, condos, and apartments. 

The newfound interest in floriculture and nursery items played an exciting role in MVGA's Retail Purchasing study, which generated data from October 2020 until September 2022.  The study was supported by a Specialty Crop Grant award entitled Plant Something!  Reaching Your Generational Customers.

With a local economic impact of over $100 million with floriculture alone, the industry employs over 750 people.  Lucas County is one of the nation's top 100 counties for the production of greenhouse crops (over 3,000 counties in the U.S.). 

In addition to its economic impact, the industry is also a part of the cultural fabric of Ohio.  Collaborating with private, public, and academic partners has been exciting.  Only a concept back in 2003, MVGA feels the organization exceeded early grant expectations while developing valuable support mechanisms within the industry through the years.  The association's members and its Board of Directors build off these successes.

 Joe Perlaky, Executive Director