Wellington’s mushroom plant to close

Highline Mushrooms photo

Highline Produce will close its mushroom farm, on Conley Road in Wellington, in December.

The plant employs nearly 300 people, many of whom are foreign workers. They learned of the closure Wednesday morning and have shared in social media the decision is related to the age and state of the buildings.

The facility was best known as being operated by the Campbell’s Soup company since the late 1960s until purchased by Highline in 1990. Ireland-based Fyffes entered the North American mushroom business with the purchase of Highline Produce in 2016 but in 2020 sold its Canadian mushroom unit Highline Produce to its parent company, Summit Fresh Produce Ltd., for a nominal fee of one Canadian dollar.

Highline opened an organic mushroom facility in Leamington last year and also has an operation in Kingsville.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, Mayor Steve Ferguson stated he was “gutted to learn that Highline Mushrooms intends to close its Wellington facility.

“My heart goes out to the employees of Highline Mushrooms impacted by this closure. This surprising announcement will undoubtedly cause hardship for workers and their families. Let’s come together during this difficult time and support our friends and neighbours in whatever way we can.

“Highline is one of the largest employers in Prince Edward County. Its loss will be felt in the local economy and the broader community. In the coming days, I will be speaking with staff and community members to explore ways we can respond, drawing on the recommendations and insights outlined in our Economic Development Action Plan.

“Challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, but I am hopeful we can rebound and build on the strengths we currently possess.”