Jairo built a greenhouse from scratch in Honduras. Here's why he's coming to Ontario.

Issue #1  |  June 22, 2026

This is our first edition, and we are glad you are here.

This newsletter brings together two worlds that have more in common than most people realize.

In rural Honduras, there are farming communities full of people who have worked the land their whole lives, growers who know their crops, take pride in their work, and are looking for opportunities that simply aren't available at home. In Southern Ontario, greenhouse and farm operations are looking for exactly that kind of worker reliable, experienced, and genuinely committed to the job.

Mayan Greenhouse Connection helps make that connection happen. We are Honduran owned and Honduran run, and we care about the people we work with on both sides.

This newsletter is part of how we stay connected with the farms and communities we serve. If you're planning for next season or facing gaps right now, let's talk.

Contact [email protected]

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Some people grow food. Jairo grows knowledge and he has been doing it since he was ten years old. At 34, Jairo arrives in Ontario this season carrying more than two decades of hands-on agricultural experience rooted in the soils of Barbarosa, Honduras. Alongside his wife, he built a small greenhouse from the ground up, where he currently manages cucumber, lettuce, passion fruit, papaya, and radish crops  learning the demands of each one through careful observation, self-directed study, and a willingness to ask hard questions when something goes wrong. When cucumber plants began dropping fruit before maturity, Jairo didn't move on. He started investigating why. That instinct  to look deeper rather than accept the surface  is what defines him as a grower. Now, through the Maya Maple Connect program, Jairo is preparing to bring that same curiosity and discipline to a farm in Ontario. He isn't coming to learn what work is. He's coming to discover what it can become. Read Jairo's full story at mayangreenhouseconnection.fyi.

If you are interested in hiring workers similar to Jairo, please reach out to [email protected].

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Biosecurity and food access are two issues keeping Ontario farm operators busy this month.

• CFIA confirms 19 avian flu outbreaks in 2026  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported 19 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza across Canada in the first five months of the year. Greenhouse vegetable operations carry lower inherent risk, but shared labour and equipment between farm types makes biosecurity protocols worth reviewing this season. Read more ->

• Food affordability and waste reduction in focus  Middlesex County convened growers, leaders, and food agencies to discuss reducing waste and improving access. Operators addressing these challenges have competitive advantage as retailers and consumers increasingly prioritize waste reduction and supply chain efficiency. Read more ->

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Energy costs and market caution are reshaping investment priorities across Southern Ontario operations.

- Energy efficiency moves from optional to essential. Rising costs are pushing manufacturers and growers to prioritize equipment and systems that reduce energy consumption. If you're delaying upgrades, understanding how efficiency investments offset operational costs will be critical to competitiveness. Read more ->

- New varieties from CAST 2026 offer stronger retail performance. Recent introductions including Street Art Pentas and SuperCal Pink Star are designed to move faster through retail and perform better in home gardens. Evaluating these genetics now positions you ahead of demand cycles. Read more ->

- Thrips management requires early, aggressive action this season. Trap color matters in mass trapping programs, and early deployment during peak migration prevents costly summer infestations. Ontario-specific IPM guidance is available to optimize your strategy. Read more ->

- Capital spending remains cautious across the sector. Manufacturers report growers are hesitant with major investments, suggesting you're not alone in evaluating timing and ROI carefully in the current environment. Read more ->

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The Comayagua Valley in central Honduras sits at high elevation, creating a naturally cooler climate ideal for vegetable production year-round. This region is the country's primary export hub, supplying melons, tomatoes, peppers, and onions to North American and European markets. The valley's established irrigation infrastructure and concentration of modern packing facilities make it Honduras's most significant agricultural export zone. Producers here leverage the climate advantage to deliver premium-quality crops during North American winter months, making the region a reliable counter-seasonal supply source. The valley hosts multiple export-oriented operations and continues to attract investment in cold-chain infrastructure, cementing its role as a critical link in continental fresh produce supply chains.

• Fertilizer and fuel price spikes delaying planting in Honduras: Rising input costs are pushing back primera (first) planting season through September 2026, directly impacting crop yields and farm cash flow. Monitor pricing trends and adjust planting schedules accordingly. Read more ->

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Migrant Workers Day Festival 2026

Sunday, July 5, 2026  |  12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Seacliff Park Amphitheatre, 24 Seacliff Dr W, Leamington, ON  N8H 3Z3

The annual Migrant Workers Day Festival returns to Leamington this summer. Organized by the Windsor-Essex Bilingual Legal Clinic C.A.R.E. for International Workers Program, the event brings together workers, families, and the broader community for a day of live music, multicultural food, cultural performances, and community services.

Mobile medical support will be on-site, along with informational tables, raffles, and free admission for all.

Hopefully see you there!

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Filling seasonal labour through TFWP takes planning. The operations that secure the workers they need  on time, fully compliant, already prepared for greenhouse work  are the ones that start the conversation early.

Maya Maple Connect is Honduran-owned and run by people who have spent over 10 years recruiting from Honduran farming communities for Canadian greenhouses. We know these workers personally. We know their regions, their backgrounds, and what they're capable of. That's not something a general staffing agency can replicate.

What we handle: Candidate sourcing, TFWP documentation, compliance review, and worker onboarding. By the time someone arrives at your operation, the paperwork is done and they know what to expect.

What you do: Review candidates, approve placements, and focus on your season.

If you're planning for an upcoming season or dealing with a gap right now, book a 15-minute call with our team -- we'll tell you exactly what's available and what the process looks like.

Learn more at mayamaple.com.

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• Pemberton farm faces $387K penalty for TFWP violations - Non-compliance with worker program requirements carries significant financial risk. Ensure your operation meets all housing, wage, and employment standards to avoid costly enforcement action. Read more ->

• LMIA processing times improving for select TFWP streams - Faster labour market impact assessments may reduce recruitment delays for eligible positions. Check current timelines for your sector when planning seasonal hiring. Read more ->

Contact us: [email protected]

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NOTICE -- Measles Vaccination Requirement for Honduras Travel

The Government of Honduras has confirmed active measles (sarampion) circulation in several regions. Workers travelling from Honduras to Canada are strongly advised to ensure they are up to date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination before departure. Canadian employers under the TFWP and SAWP should confirm vaccination status during pre-arrival health screening. Workers who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine should do so at least two weeks before travel.

For more information, contact your TFWP liaison or visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's travel health notices page.