GGS Supports the Be World Ready Program with Greenhouse Donation

The Niagara College Horticultural Team holds up the flag of the Dominican Republic in front of a GGS Caribbean style greenhouse that is being built in Los Cacaos as part of the Be World Ready program at Niagara College

Bill MacDonald, Horticulture professor at Niagara College reports that progress is going well in the Dominican Republic where Niagara College has been working with the local coffee association, ASOCAES, in the town of Los Cacaos. Coffee production has declined significantly due to coffee rust and there is a great need to diversify the local economy.

Learning basic greenhouse construction techniques in the Dominican Republic, students assemble a gable end.

Earlier this year GGS donated a small structure for use in greenhouse pepper production. Originally, wooden greenhouse structures have been used in Los Cacaos, but the poly blows off very easily ruining the crop below, so a solution was needed. With the help of Landscape professor Mike Hoekstra, the students built the structure over the summer in order to gain experience in construction of this type of greenhouse structure.

Next week Bill will be meeting with the Canadian Ambassador and with the Dean of Agronomy at UASD (University of Santo Domingo) to further the partnership with Niagara College, and inform them of our work in Los Cacaos.

“My vision is to have UASD students work with NC students when we go and work on the greenhouse projects. Perhaps even have UASD students come to NC to learn as well.” said Bill MacDonald whose work in the Dominican Republic involves greenhouse construction, irrigation, plant nutrition and IPM.

Niagara College is the preeminent horticultural college in Ontario, and they have developed a strong international presence through partnerships with global companies like GGS Structures Inc.  The international strength of Niagara College is attractive to students from all over the world, and provides valuable international learning opportunities for many of their students.

Bill MacDonald used GGS rolling benches to increase production in his greenhouses

Prior to accepting a teaching position at Niagara College Bill owned and operated a commercial greenhouse growing  Hedera (Ivy). “When I ran my own business I chose to build GGS greenhouses because of the superior quality and the tremendous technical support I received from GGS. It is nice to see that partnership continuing”.

Bill will again be leading approximately 20 students in October and February to continue their work in Los Cacaos.

“It has been our pleasure to be part of this worthwhile endeavor” said Leigh Coulter, President of GGS Structures “We are big supporters of Niagara College and have hired many of their students from the horticultural programs, advanced manufacturing programs, computer, and business programs”.

According to Bill MacDonald, the GGS greenhouse donations will enable the people of Los Cacaos to diversify their economy and increase their food security.