Navigating today’s farming market involves managing a constantly changing mix of challenges and opportunities. To gain deeper insight into how innovation and collaboration are transforming agriculture to address the key obstacles growers encounter, we’ve compiled our frequently asked questions along with straightforward answers.
The Biggest Challenges in the Floriculture Market
Economic Uncertainty and Labor Costs
One of the most pressing issues growers are facing is the state of the economy. Many growers are putting business development decisions on hold as they wait to see how market conditions will evolve. Paired with the ongoing labor shortage and the rising costs of labor, these are significant barriers to expansion. These challenges make businesses cautious and temper growth with uncertainty.
Opportunities on the Horizon
Expansion into Greenhouse Growing
Despite the challenges, exciting opportunities are emerging, particularly for outdoor growers exploring greenhouse cultivation. There is growing interest in expanding crops with berries, greens, and other vegetables being the most prevalent.
Efficiency and Maintenance Solutions
As a manufacturer of greenhouses and a provider of nearly all related systems and equipment, GGS sees substantial opportunity in helping growers increase operational efficiencies. Maintenance and repair services also represent a growing segment, as growers aim to extend the life and productivity of their existing infrastructure.
Energy Costs and Regulatory Impact
Energy expenses rank as the second-highest cost after labor in the greenhouse industry. GGS chooses to view this as an opportunity rather than a setback. The company offers energy- and labor-saving solutions designed to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
For example, GGS partners with a lighting manufacturer that produces energy-efficient fixtures qualifying for government subsidies in select regions. Additionally, they collaborate with a company leveraging AI technology to optimize supplemental lighting, turning it on only when necessary, a major energy saver.
Understanding Growers’ Pain Points
Growers frequently express frustration over market uncertainty. Rising costs and shrinking profit margins make it increasingly difficult to justify investments, as calculating reliable returns on investment (ROI) becomes nearly impossible when market conditions fluctuate daily.
In response, GGS focuses on providing adaptable solutions that help growers optimize current operations while preparing for an unpredictable future.
Trends in Project Types: New Builds vs. Retrofits
Currently, GGS sees a balanced split between new greenhouse constructions and retrofit projects, about 50/50. Surprisingly, many growers are still expanding, though many others prioritize upgrading existing facilities, with a strong focus on conserving energy and labor.
Tariffs and Their Effects
Tariffs impact the cost of materials and systems depending on their origin and destination. Being a Canadian company, GGS faces tariffs when importing materials or systems from the U.S. for Canadian projects, and vice versa when building in the U.S. using Canadian components.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration
Fostering strong relationships between structure manufacturers and component suppliers is key to success. Over 40 years, GGS has built lasting partnerships and often involves component companies early in the design process to ensure tailored, efficient solutions for each grower.
Attending conferences and trade shows also helps deepen these connections, improving
Upcoming Industry Events and Trade Shows
GGS is active in the industry trade show circuit. Confirmed events for 2025 and 2026 include:
- Alberta Equipment Expo, Edmonton, AB — April 24-25, 2025, Booth #303
- Canada North Resources Expo, Prince George, BC — May 23-24, 2025, Booth #419
- FloriExpo, Fort Lauderdale, FL — June 4-6, 2025, Booth #637
- Cultivate’25, Columbus, OH — July 12-15, 2025, Booth #2118
- Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON — September 9-11, 2025, Booth #N-760
- Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Niagara Falls, ON — October 8-9, 2025, Booth #217
- The Buildings Show, Toronto, ON — December 3-5, 2026, Booth #1001
- Landscape Ontario Congress, Toronto, ON — January 6-8, 2026, Booth #2846 (pending)
For a full list and details, visit: GGS Greenhouse Events
Final Thoughts
The floriculture market continues to evolve rapidly, with economic pressures balanced by technological innovation and growing interest in greenhouse cultivation. Companies like GGS Greenhouse Solutions are helping growers navigate these complexities with practical, energy-efficient, and labor-saving solutions, fostering a more sustainable and profitable future for the industry.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our customized greenhouse systems and cutting-edge technology can drive your business forward.