What’s Happening at Highline Mushrooms?

Highline Mushrooms has announced it will shut down its mushroom farm in Wellington, Ontario, leaving close to 300 workers without jobs by the end of the year.

The closure was confirmed in mid-September, reports the Picton Gazette, when employees were informed during an on-site meeting with company representatives.

Why the Plant Is Closing

According to Brian McCarthy, VP of Human Resources, the Wellington farm “no longer meets our long-term safety standards and evolving operational needs.”

• The closure is not related to the quality or quantity of mushroom production
• Instead, the decision stems from the age and condition of the buildings.
• All 252 contract workers and 29 salaried employees will be terminated on December 12, 2025

Most harvest workers are part of Ontario’s Agricultural stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, meaning the impact will extend to migrant employees who rely on these seasonal contracts.

Local Economic Impact

Beyond the job losses, the shutdown will also affect the local farming economy:

• Area wheat growers supply straw used to insulate mushroom beds, worth over $1 million annually.
• The facility’s closure means this steady revenue stream will disappear.

Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson said he was “gutted” by the news, noting that Highline is one of the area’s largest employers. “This announcement will cause hardship for workers and their families,” he said, urging the community to come...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMif0FVX3lxTE5YWjN2dHh6RDhJLU96aTd6VGVh...