Sixth annual comp names best produce in the greenhouse capitol of North America

On June 15-17, 2010 at the Leamington Fair, R.E.A.CH. International hosted its 6th annual Greenhouse competitions including 'The Hottest Tomato,' 'The Perfect Pepper' and 'The Coolest Cucumber' Competitions. Greenhouse Industry growers, marketers and suppliers participated in the annual competitions which celebrate Essex County as being the largest greenhouse industry in North America.

These unique competitions happen in two stages. First, on Friday evening, expert judges from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), No Frills Group of Companies, Ted Whipp, food writer for the Windsor Star, local grocery stores and MPP Rick Nichols judged the 111 entries with a pre-determined list of criteria. Second, throughout Friday and Saturday, 468 people voted for their favourite Tomato, Pepper and Cucumber for the 'People’s Choice' awards.

The Awards Ceremony, held on Saturday evening, awarded beautiful crystal trophies and bragging rights to all the best producers in North America. New this year, the Grower with the overall best Pepper, Cucumber and Tomato will also receive a greenhouse disinfection discount from Tech Mist Spray Solutions. The net proceeds from this event will be used for R.E.A.CH.’s main project in Uganda, Africa.

To see the 2012 Winners in the Greenhouse Capital of North America & the Tomato Capital of Canada click here.

Once again, people were able to purchase the produce at a Greenhouse Farmers Market. All the produce was donated by the generous contestants with proceeds going to the Leamington Salvation Army Foodbank.

For more information please visit www.hottesttomato.com or www.reachint.org