Modern agriculture is enabling farmers to grow the food we need in new ways, while using less land and fewer resources. One such agricultural advancement is greenhouse growing. According to the 2016 World Greenhouse Vegetable Production Statistics report, between 2015 and 2016, the number of greenhouse-grown vegetable acres increased by 14 percent.

NatureFresh™ Farms is one of the largest independent greenhouse produce growers in Canada, as well as one of the largest greenhouse bell pepper growers in North America.

We asked them about their operations and the benefits of greenhouse growing:

How did the company get its start? What sparked your interest in greenhouse growing?
NatureFresh™ Farms began as a “build and sell” project in 1999. As a greenhouse designer, manufacturer, and builder, our Founder & President Pete Quiring recognized that the greenhouse industry was in transition, and that technology and innovation would drive continued growth.

NatureFresh™ Farms has grown to become one of the largest independent greenhouse produce growers in Canada, as well as one of the largest greenhouse bell pepper growers in North America. NatureFresh™ Farms greenhouses are tremendously efficient and highly automated. Originally modelled after the very best European technologies, we continue to use emerging greenhouse science to achieve new levels of excellence.
How many greenhouses do you operate, and what products are you currently producing in the greenhouses?
NatureFresh™ Farms manages a 130-acre greenhouse operation in Leamington, Ontario with an additional 45 acres in Delta, Ohio.

In Leamington we grow: Tomatoes On The Vine, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Specialty Tomatoes (Red/Yellow/Orange Grape, Red Cherry, Mixed Medley, Red Cocktail, Heirloom), Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange), Organic Tomatoes On The Vine, Organic Red Grape Tomatoes.

In Delta we grow: Tomatoes On The Vine, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Specialty Tomatoes (Red/Yellow/Orange Grape, Red Cherry, Mixed Medley, Red Cocktail, Heirloom).
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How did the company get its start? What sparked your interest in greenhouse growing?
NatureFresh™ Farms began as a “build and sell” project in 1999. As a greenhouse designer, manufacturer, and builder, our Founder & President Pete Quiring recognized that the greenhouse industry was in transition, and that technology and innovation would drive continued growth.

NatureFresh™ Farms has grown to become one of the largest independent greenhouse produce growers in Canada, as well as one of the largest greenhouse bell pepper growers in North America. NatureFresh™ Farms greenhouses are tremendously efficient and highly automated. Originally modelled after the very best European technologies, we continue to use emerging greenhouse science to achieve new levels of excellence.
How many greenhouses do you operate, and what products are you currently producing in the greenhouses?
NatureFresh™ Farms manages a 130-acre greenhouse operation in Leamington, Ontario with an additional 45 acres in Delta, Ohio.

In Leamington we grow: Tomatoes On The Vine, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Specialty Tomatoes (Red/Yellow/Orange Grape, Red Cherry, Mixed Medley, Red Cocktail, Heirloom), Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange), Organic Tomatoes On The Vine, Organic Red Grape Tomatoes.

In Delta we grow: Tomatoes On The Vine, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Specialty Tomatoes (Red/Yellow/Orange Grape, Red Cherry, Mixed Medley, Red Cocktail, Heirloom).
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How does greenhouse growing impact the number of “food miles” that food must travel to reach consumers?
By growing locally during the winter months, we have removed the thousands of food miles it would have taken to bring the same tomatoes to market from Mexico. By reducing these significant food miles, we are accomplishing a number of things that directly benefit the consumer. These benefits include:

  • Year-round availability

  • Locally grown products in the middle of winter

  • Consistency in products

  • Product is able to be left on the vine to the last minute to ensure maximum flavor

  • Product is picked, packed, shipped to local grocery store in less than 24 hours. It would take 4-5 days to get to the same grocery store when shipped  from Mexico after visiting 1-2 distribution centers

  • Reduced emissions and fuel costs for transportation
     

How has greenhouse technology changed since you first started growing in 1999?
The industry has evolved significantly over the last 17 years with the implementation of various types of technology. Modern agriculture and advanced technology allows our agronomists to better control climate, watering, heating, shading, ventilation and more with the use of a laptop or smartphone anywhere in the world. These advancements and access to precise data has allowed us to grow efficiently, sustainably and fast.
How long does it take a tomato to grow in the greenhouse?
A tomato plant can take between 90 and 115 days to produce a fruit. It can vary by variety.
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