QUALITY ASSURANCE & BIOSECURITY
High-quality young plants
At Ontario Plants, biosecurity and quality assurance are at the core of everything we do. Through investment in cutting-edge research, technology, and equipment, we are constantly advancing our methods to prevent, minimize, and control plant diseases, pests, and contaminants.
Quality assurance
Ontario Plants applies a rigorous and systematic approach to ensuring that our young plants meet the highest quality standards. Our process-driven quality assurance system involves regular testing and monitoring, led by an in-house team of experts, including PhDs in Food Safety and Entomology.
Strict hygiene standards
Ontario Plants enforces strict hygiene protocols across both of our greenhouse facilities to safeguard plant health. Each facility features ‘clean zones’ where sanitized carts, trays, and equipment are stored. All personnel must clean, scrub, and disinfect their boots and hands at safety-certified cleaning stations before entering these zones. To enhance biosecurity, speed doors have been installed at our Glencoe facility, and both sites conduct regular steam cleaning of trucks and equipment before plants are loaded. Surveillance cameras and routine biosecurity audits ensure strict adherence to these hygiene protocols.
Additionally, a comprehensive gowning program mitigates the risk of harmful pathogens. Greenhouse and grafting teams, as well as visitors, are provided with freshly laundered clothing and boots, prepared offsite, for each use.
Pest exclusion & management
Ontario Plants employs advanced pest control methods that eliminate the need for pesticides, ensuring the healthiest plants possible. Insect netting keeps pests out, while our in-house entomologists monitor pest levels as part of our Pest Management Plan.
Rigorous monitoring
Ontario Plants operates state-of-the-art laboratories at both our St. Thomas and Glencoe facilities, staffed by experts with PhDs in Entomology and Food Safety.
These specialists oversee our comprehensive quality assurance program and lead continuous improvement efforts. Our biosecurity team regularly monitors plant health, water filtration systems, hygiene practices, and pest controls, utilizing advanced testing methods like ATP and PCR.