Welcome to the Holland Marsh Growers' Association
We help growers and beyond
HMGA partners with different organizations to grapple with issues facing the local growers and beyond.
Find information on these projects below.
HMGA partners with different organizations to grapple with issues facing the local growers and beyond.
Find information on these projects below.
The HMGA Board of Directors approved work on a series of projects for the 2023 season. These projects are partially funded through OMAFRA and the aim is to enhance the sustainability of the area vegetable production. Working in this area and generating results is part of continuous improvement and is key to maintaining a strong positive image with consumers. 
The HMGA is pleased to announce that it has received funding from OMAFRA and will be working with growers on farm level sustainability projects during 2021. Overall, there are six project areas where growers/packers can participate. 
This project will research and evaluate available innovative technologies to support the Sector’s capacity to continue to supply safe, high-quality and nutritious food.
A significant research project, spearheaded by the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association and funded through the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund is underway to protect our freshwater supply. The project involves the evaluation of innovative whole-farm approaches to find effective and efficient treatment technologies and methods to reduce risks to water quality in the Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay through the Nottawasaga Valley, Severn Sound, and Lake Simcoe watersheds. Water is a critical tool for farmers, who are committed to minimizing the impact on the environment for the benefit of the community in which they live.
Find more information on the project on the 
Antioxidant effects of Ontario-grown onion varieties have not yet been studied. The objective of this project is to study the diversity in the antioxidant profiles of Ontario Grown onions and use the correct varieties to develop functional food traits. Flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin from Ontario-grown onion varieties will be extracted using environmentally friendly extraction processes such as Ultra-high pressure processing and low polarity water extraction technology. The effect of bioactive functional compounds from onion varieties on the influence of oxidative stress will be explored using antioxidant assays. Investigation of the mechanisms behind the antioxidant properties of the volatile compounds of onions will provide new strategies for developing novel health products in the food industry. Understanding the chemistry behind bioactives and their impact on health through the linkage between onion flavonoids and its antioxidant properties will help to design and develop novel onion based nutraceutical and health products for food and pharmaceutical industries. Dr. Neethirajan and his research team at the Bionano laboratory of the University of Guelph will investigate the traits such as antioxidant contents of Ontario-grown onions, which will enhance the marketability of these onions both locally, as well as for export.