SPECIALIZING IN COMPLETE GREENHOUSE Information, Supplies, New Products, Start up kits, Building Plans and Free help with selling your crops for retail and wholesale greenhouse growers.
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies Wholesale
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Alternative Garden Supply. Inc., P.O. Box 662, Cary IL 1-800-444-2837, www.altgarden.com Carries hydroponic and lighting supplies, Greenhouse and
Arbico, P.O. Box 4247 CRB, Tucson, AZ 85738. 1-800-827-2847, www.arbico-organics.com. Known mostly for beneficial insects but also has a selection
of fertilizers, pest traps, and sustainable agricultural supplies.
Charley's Greenhouse Supplies, 17979 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, 1-800-322-4707, www.charleysgreenhouse.com One of the most
complete sources of greenhouse supplies Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and accessories. Large selection of quality greenhouses and other
products specifically for the home greenhouse. Great informative catalog. Good folks!
Co-Ex Corporation, 41 Hammer Mill Road, Rocky Hill CT 06067, 1-800-888-5364, www.co-excorp.com. Manufactures polycarbonate glazings. They are a
wholesaler but they are informative and helpful when shopping for a glazing.
Cool-off, http://www.cool-off.com/ Carries a wide range of Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and mist and fogging systems for cooling your
greenhouse. Most systems are packaged for DIY easy assembly and operation. 800-504-MIST (6478)
CropKing, Inc., 5050 Greenwich Road, Seville, OH 44273 1-330-769-2002, www.cropking.com. Carries indoor hydroponic kits, greenhouses, lights,
growing mediums, books, Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and more for large and small growers.
Deglas, http://www.deglasamericas.com/ At last a viable alternative to polycarbonate with a longer life in the sun. Greenhouse and Hydroponic
Supplies.
Dickson, 930 S Westwood Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 800-323-2448, www.dicksonweb.com, Manufacturer of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and pressure chart recorders, dataloggers, and hand-held indicators.
Garden Under Glass, 40 Huron Rd., Bellerose, NY 11001, 1-516-775-0866, www.gardenunderglass.com. Sells greenhouse kits Greenhouse and
Hydroponic Supplies and supplies.
Garden.com, www.garden.com, Carries a wide variety of tools, fertilizer, books Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and other supplies along with seeds,
plants and more.
Garden Composer, http://www.gardencomposer.com/, sells garden design software. 3D Garden Composer is a garden software kit on CD-ROM for
garden design, planning, landscaping. It includes plant encyclopedia pictures, plant care calendar, gardening tools, plant diseases, pests info
Gardener’s Supply Company, 128 Intervale Rd., Burlington, VT 05401-2850, 1-800-863-1700, www.gardeners.com. Carries greenhouses, tools, growing
supplies, and more.
Gempler’s 100 Countryside Drive, P.O. Box 270, Belleville, WI 53508, 1-800-382-8473, www.gemplers.com. Carries gardening tools, Greenhouse and
Hydroponic Supplies and clothing, protective equipment, pest management supplies, and more.
Greenfire, 2527A Hwy 32 West, Chico CA 95973, 1-800-859-8307, www.greenfire.net. These folks carry quality organic hydroponic fertilizer supplies,
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and lighting materials, variety of pest control materials, growing mediums, and more.
Growing Spaces, P.O. Box 5518, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, 1-800-753-9333. www.growingspaces.com. These folks specialize in quality, Greenhouse
and Hydroponic Supplies and solar heated dome greenhouses. They have varying sizes and prices from which to choose.
Harmony Farm Supply, P.O. Box 460, Graton CA 95444, 1-707-823-9125, www.harmonyfarm.com. Carries a wide variety of growing supplies, pest
controls Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and beneficial insects.
Hobby Gardens, P.O. Box 83, Grand Isle, Vermont 05458, 1-802-372-4041, www.hobbygardens.com. Sells greenhouse kits Greenhouse and Hydroponic
Supplies and supplies.
Home Home Harvest Garden Supply, Inc., 995 Potosi Road, Glen Rock, PA 17327, 1-800-348-4769, 717-235-6653 http://HomeHarvest.com. They sell
books, fertilizers, pest controls, beneficial insects, lighting systems, hydroponic systems, greenhouse accessories, Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies
and more.
Hoop House Sructures, 1358 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664, 1-800-760-5192, www.hoophouse.com. Sells greenhouse kits Greenhouse and
Hydroponic Supplies and more.
Hummerts Seed Co., 4510 Earth City Expressway, Earth City, MO 63045, 1-800-325-3055, www.hummert.com . Carries a wide variety of seeds,
growing supplies and more. Has a wholesale division for larger growers and division for smaller, hobby greenhouse needs.
Hydrofarm, 755 Southpoint Blvd.., Petaluma, CA 94954, 1-800-634-9990, www.hydrofarm.com,. Specializes in hydroponic supplies and equipment.
Hydro-Gardens, Inc., P.O. Box 9707, Colorado Springs, CO 80932, 1-800-634-6362, www.hydro-gardens.com. Carries a complete collection of supplies
for growing; specializes in hydroponic vegetable production and sells to commercial growers as well as hobbyists. Also carries seeds and pest-control
supplies. Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and
International Greenhouse Company, 19924 Aurora Ave N.- Suite 47, Seattle, WA 98133 1-888-281-9337, http://www.igcusa.com Carries a wide
selection of greenhouses starting with low-cost hobby kits, to medium priced kits and a good selection of commercial sized greenhouses. Also has a wide
selection of greenhouse supplies.
Jacobs Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd., 371 Talbot Road, Delhi, Ontario, Canada N4B 2A1 www.jacobsgreenhouse.com. Sells greenhouse kits and more.
Janco Greenhouses, 93990 Davis Avenue, Laurel, MD 200723, 1-800-323-6933, www.jancoinc.com. Sells greenhouse kits, supplies, and more.
Jaybird Manufacturing, Inc. 2595-B Clyde Ave., State College, PA 18601 1-814-235-1807, www.jaybird-mfg.com. Carries a variety of foggers for creating
humidity.
National Garden Wholesale, 5408 NE 88th St. #A-101, Vancouver, WA 98665, 888-478-6544. www.nationalgardenwholsale.com. Carries a number of
specialty garden supplies of interest to greenhouse and hydroponic gardeners.
Nature Perfect, 6100 Redwood Blvd. No. A&B, Novato, CA 94945, 1-888-328-8821, www.natureperfect.com. Hydroponic growing supplies and systems
along with lucky bamboo and other plants.
North American Greenhouse Supplies, #1, 1204 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3K5, Canada, 1-800-567-2718, www.greenhousesolutions.com. Sells
hydroponic equipment and supplies and specializes in a number of measurement meters for ph, light, nutrient, etc.
North Country Creative Structures, Route 197, RD# 1 Box 1060B, Argyle, New York 12809, 1-800-833-2300, www.sunroomliving.com. Sells Greenhouse
kits, supplies Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and more.
Northern Greenhouse Sales, Box 42, Neche, ND 58265, 1-204-327-5540. These folks specialize in woven polyethylene glazing. They also carry
greenhouse building supplies Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and more.
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, P.O. Box 2209, Grass Valley, CA 95945, 1-888-784-1722, www.groworganic.com Sells a variety of fertilizers, gardening
equipment, natural pest controls, seeds, Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and more.
Planet Natural, 1612 Gold Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715, 1-800-289-6656, www.planetnatural.com Carries a variety of Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies
and gardening and natural products.
Polygal, PO. Box 1567, Janesville WI 53547, 1-800-537-0095, www.polygal.com. Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and Manufactures polycarbonate
glazings. They are a wholesaler but they are informative and helpful when shopping for a glazing.
Quick Grow, 1-877-426-4769 http://www.quickgrow.com. Internet site only. Hydroponic-based gardening products, supplies Greenhouse and Hydroponic
Supplies and systems. Also hydroponics articles and information.
Solar Components Corp., 121 Valley St., Manchester, NH 03103, 1-603-668-8186, www.solar-components.com. Specialize in glazing, greenhouse kits,
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and environmental control systems for greenhouses and sunrooms. Also one of the few companies (if not the only)
to carry fiberglass water containers (tubes) for thermal mass and aquaculture.
SPS Corporation, P.O. Box 20909, San Jose, CA, 95160, 1-800-994-5626, http://spscorp.com. Manufacturer of Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies
and polycarbonate glazing materials. They carry the energy efficient triple thick polycarbonate in both 16 mm and 8mm widths. They are a wholesaler but
they are informative and helpful when shopping for a glazing.
Specialty-Lights.com, 1-877-524-5524, http://www.specialty-lights.com/plantgrow.html, Carries Sunlight Supply plant grow lights, hydroponics supplies,
ph meters Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and more. Also find Metal Halide or HPS plant grow lights in 100 - 1000 Watts, T5 fluorescent tek lights,
dual spectrum lights, bulbs, ballasts and reflectors.
Standup Gardens, 1630 Route 33, Greenland, NH 03840, 1-603-427-6000, www.standupgardens.com. Sells specialized Greenhouse and Hydroponic
Supplies and portable gardening beds, some include built-in lighting and irrigation systems.
Sturdi-built Greenhouses, 11304 SW Boones Ferry Rd., Portland OR 97219, 1-800-334-4115, www.sturdi-built.com. Sells greenhouse kits and
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies.
Sundance Supply, www.sundancesupply.com. Sells polycarbonate, trim components, glazing systems and shade cloth, for Build-It-Yourself greenhouses,
sunrooms and solariums. Extensive how-to information on their web site. This is an Internet catalog only and often has great prices Greenhouse and
Hydroponic Supplies.
Teas Nursery—Orchid and Supply Catalog, P.O. Box 1603, Bellaire, TX 77402-1603. 1-800-446-7723, www.teasnursery.com. Offers tropical plants,
growing supplies, Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and equipment, and more.
Ventura Sunrooms, 8274 Quincy St., Ventura, CA 93004, 1-800-747-3324, www.sunroom.com. Sells greenhouse kits Greenhouse and Hydroponic
Supplies and supplies.
Worm's Way- Urban Farming Source Book™, 7850 North Highway 37, Bloomington IN 47404, 1-800-274-9676, http://wormsway.com. Carries,
hydroponic supplies, lighting, books and other Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies and indoor gardening supplies.
Categories
Green Earth Co. Melbourne, Florida
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Supplies Wholesale with start to finish product buying information and Wholesale Supplies prices to retail greenhouses and Growers.
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greenhouses
Hydroponic vegetable growers are expected to
capitalise on supply shortfalls over the coming
months. Many field crops across Australia have
Most hydroponic crops have been unaffected,
though, because they're grown off the ground in
controlled environments. Protected Cropping
Australia represents 1600 hydroponic farmers, and
chairman Graeme Smith admits they could be in for
a good year. "The potential is always there that
Hydroponic vegetable growers are expected to
should your commodity be interrupted in terms of
capitalise on supply shortfalls over the coming
months. Many field crops across Australia have
been battered by floods, storms and heatwaves.
Most hydroponic crops have been unaffected,
though, because they're grown off the ground in
controlled environments. Protected Cropping
Australia represents 1600 hydroponic farmers, and
chairman Graeme Smith admits they could be in for
a good year. "The potential is always there that
should your commodity be interrupted in terms of
supply for whatever reason, and this is obviously a
big one, then it's all about supply and demand," he
said. "One would argue the greenhouse growers
this year may enjoy a slightly better time."
Even those that have been flood affected have been
able to bounce back quickly.
Bardon Produce grows hydroponic Asian vegetables
on farms close to Brisbane and Sydney. Flood
waters in Queensland destroyed 200 thousand
bunches of their Asian vegetables. But because
most of their infrastructure was unharmed, the
company's Nathan Clackson says they were
planting again as soon as the floodwaters subsided.
"Our Gatton operation was fully wiped out." "I came
up there Monday morning to start getting things
back together and replace electronics and we were
back planting Monday afternoon." "We got back
into operation with 12 or 14 hours work, where as
a lot of field guys still can't access their land
because it's still sodden." "That's our benefit, we're
straight back into it."
Hydroponic vegetable growers are expected to
capitalise on supply shortfalls over the coming
months. Many field crops across Australia have
Most hydroponic crops have been unaffected,
though, because they're grown off the ground in
controlled environments. Protected Cropping
Australia represents 1600 hydroponic farmers, and
chairman Graeme Smith admits they could be in for
a good year. "The potential is always there that
Hydroponic vegetable growers are expected to
should your commodity be interrupted in terms of
capitalise on supply shortfalls over the coming
months. Many field crops across Australia have
been battered by floods, storms and heatwaves.
Most hydroponic crops have been unaffected,
though, because they're grown off the ground in
controlled environments. Protected Cropping
Australia represents 1600 hydroponic farmers, and
chairman Graeme Smith admits they could be in for
a good year. "The potential is always there that
should your commodity be interrupted in terms of
supply for whatever reason, and this is obviously a
big one, then it's all about supply and demand," he
said. "One would argue the greenhouse growers
this year may enjoy a slightly better time."
Even those that have been flood affected have been
able to bounce back quickly.
Bardon Produce grows hydroponic Asian vegetables
on farms close to Brisbane and Sydney. Flood
waters in Queensland destroyed 200 thousand
bunches of their Asian vegetables. But because
most of their infrastructure was unharmed, the
company's Nathan Clackson says they were
planting again as soon as the floodwaters subsided.
"Our Gatton operation was fully wiped out." "I came
up there Monday morning to start getting things
back together and replace electronics and we were
back planting Monday afternoon." "We got back
into operation with 12 or 14 hours work, where as
a lot of field guys still can't access their land
because it's still sodden." "That's our benefit, we're
straight back into it."
Grow greenhouse vegetables in the desert: is it possible? It probably will be in the future.
greenhouses transform salt water from the Red Sea into fresh water. The project has
received approval from the government in Jordan, meaning the first facility will be
operational in 2010. A few years afterwards the greenhouses will probably show up in
other places too.
As you know, there's a lot of sunlight in the desert. The facility uses this wisely. The salt
water from the Red Sea evaporates and condenses into fresh water. While this is
happening a cool and humid climate is created: prefect to grow crops in.
The facility uses a special technique to generate power. Mirrors focus sunlight on pipes,
that are filled with water. These pipes heat up, so the water boils. A steam turbine uses
steam to produce energy.
It's logical to place the greenhouses along the Red Sea, or else companies and
governments will have to place new pipes to move the water to the facilities. But it is also
possible to build in the middle of the desert, like at places under sea level. An example is
the Kattara-depression in Egypt, an area that's over 130 meter under the sea level.
greenhouses transform salt water from the Red Sea into fresh water. The project has
received approval from the government in Jordan, meaning the first facility will be
operational in 2010. A few years afterwards the greenhouses will probably show up in
other places too.
As you know, there's a lot of sunlight in the desert. The facility uses this wisely. The salt
water from the Red Sea evaporates and condenses into fresh water. While this is
happening a cool and humid climate is created: prefect to grow crops in.
The facility uses a special technique to generate power. Mirrors focus sunlight on pipes,
that are filled with water. These pipes heat up, so the water boils. A steam turbine uses
steam to produce energy.
It's logical to place the greenhouses along the Red Sea, or else companies and
governments will have to place new pipes to move the water to the facilities. But it is also
possible to build in the middle of the desert, like at places under sea level. An example is
the Kattara-depression in Egypt, an area that's over 130 meter under the sea level.
US-based DeLeon Group, Inc., in partnership with Adawat International,
Saudi Arabia, said Friday that the first AeroFarms unit has arrived in Jeddah
and has been planted. In addition, an AWG International water unit has been
incorporated to collect water from humidity in the air, thus enabling the farm
to maximize water usage and recollect water vapor that would normally be
lost. The AeroFarms unit enables the growing of food indoors using LED
lighting and clothes medium that can be recycled and used to grow over and
over again. No greenhouses, sunlight, pesticides, or soil required.
By giving the plants light 24 hours a day, and making sure to give the proper
amount of photon at the proper time, crops can be grown in about 1/2 the
time of normal agriculture. The aeroponic aspects of the system enable
farmers to maximize water consumption by using less than 10 percent of the
water that would be used by traditional agriculture. By coupling this
state-of-the-art growing technology with new air water technology the farms
can provide 100 percent of their water, without an external water source, the
company said in a statement.
The Jeddah farming facility will serve as a showplace for the Middle East in
what is hoped to be the first of several sustainable farms. Saudi Arabia was
chosen as the first site for the new technology due to the strong support and
partnership of Sheikh Saleh Boqshan who is spearheading the project, in
collaboration with Saleh Bawazir, general manager of Adawat International
Corporation.
"Our goal is to grow indoors without the use of a greenhouse or sunlight,
and to provide 100 percent of our own water by collecting humidity from the
air. This is step one. We then want to use solar and wind power to make our
farms fully self-sustaining. The AeroFarms technology represents the best
way to accomplish step one of our goals. By the end of 2011, we hope to be
growing several varieties of fruits and vegetables at the farm in Jeddah,
including, leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers all without soil
or sunlight." said Luke Sestito, president of The DeLeon Group, Inc. "We have
met with 3 governments in the GCC and have given them proposals to setup
similar systems in their countries. The reception we have received has been
overwhelmingly positive and we hope to have similar model farms in Qatar,
Kuwait, and UAE by the end of 2011," he added.
"The people of Saudi Arabia, and the GCC in general, understand the need to
conserve water and find alternative water resources, perhaps better than
any other people or any other region, since their supply is limited and the
land they can farm is limited. We were privileged to visit Tadco Farm in Tabuk,
and see the wonderful work they are doing in growing food for the people of
Saudi Arabia, a huge farm cut out of the desert is a tribute to the hard work
and genius of the Saudi people. We hope to have a small part in helping the
region explore new growing and water collection methods," Sestito said.
AeroFarms sustainable farming systems provide a typical return on
investment (ROI) of 20-33 percent. These high returns are achieved through
both high revenue generation and reduced costs. AeroFarms sustainable
agriculture systems produce extremely high and predictable yields of
high-value crops, all year round. The extreme predictability of high quality and
yield results in premium pricing, contracting and private label opportunities.
AeroFarms systems reduce costs through a semi-automated and efficient
design requiring less labor and reduced transportation cost by growing locally.
Moreover, AeroFarms systems are uniquely well-suited for urban applications
through its indoor, vertically stackable design. This enables them to
rehabilitate urban blight, by transforming old or vacant buildings into
productive, profitable spaces. Urban farms also create jobs for unskilled labor
and help boost the local economy. In addition, growing locally in urban
centers results in better food safety and security.
Besides, the produce is fresh, pesticide-free, local, longer-lasting, safer, and
clean and dry upon harvest.
Saudi Arabia, said Friday that the first AeroFarms unit has arrived in Jeddah
and has been planted. In addition, an AWG International water unit has been
incorporated to collect water from humidity in the air, thus enabling the farm
to maximize water usage and recollect water vapor that would normally be
lost. The AeroFarms unit enables the growing of food indoors using LED
lighting and clothes medium that can be recycled and used to grow over and
over again. No greenhouses, sunlight, pesticides, or soil required.
By giving the plants light 24 hours a day, and making sure to give the proper
amount of photon at the proper time, crops can be grown in about 1/2 the
time of normal agriculture. The aeroponic aspects of the system enable
farmers to maximize water consumption by using less than 10 percent of the
water that would be used by traditional agriculture. By coupling this
state-of-the-art growing technology with new air water technology the farms
can provide 100 percent of their water, without an external water source, the
company said in a statement.
The Jeddah farming facility will serve as a showplace for the Middle East in
what is hoped to be the first of several sustainable farms. Saudi Arabia was
chosen as the first site for the new technology due to the strong support and
partnership of Sheikh Saleh Boqshan who is spearheading the project, in
collaboration with Saleh Bawazir, general manager of Adawat International
Corporation.
"Our goal is to grow indoors without the use of a greenhouse or sunlight,
and to provide 100 percent of our own water by collecting humidity from the
air. This is step one. We then want to use solar and wind power to make our
farms fully self-sustaining. The AeroFarms technology represents the best
way to accomplish step one of our goals. By the end of 2011, we hope to be
growing several varieties of fruits and vegetables at the farm in Jeddah,
including, leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers all without soil
or sunlight." said Luke Sestito, president of The DeLeon Group, Inc. "We have
met with 3 governments in the GCC and have given them proposals to setup
similar systems in their countries. The reception we have received has been
overwhelmingly positive and we hope to have similar model farms in Qatar,
Kuwait, and UAE by the end of 2011," he added.
"The people of Saudi Arabia, and the GCC in general, understand the need to
conserve water and find alternative water resources, perhaps better than
any other people or any other region, since their supply is limited and the
land they can farm is limited. We were privileged to visit Tadco Farm in Tabuk,
and see the wonderful work they are doing in growing food for the people of
Saudi Arabia, a huge farm cut out of the desert is a tribute to the hard work
and genius of the Saudi people. We hope to have a small part in helping the
region explore new growing and water collection methods," Sestito said.
AeroFarms sustainable farming systems provide a typical return on
investment (ROI) of 20-33 percent. These high returns are achieved through
both high revenue generation and reduced costs. AeroFarms sustainable
agriculture systems produce extremely high and predictable yields of
high-value crops, all year round. The extreme predictability of high quality and
yield results in premium pricing, contracting and private label opportunities.
AeroFarms systems reduce costs through a semi-automated and efficient
design requiring less labor and reduced transportation cost by growing locally.
Moreover, AeroFarms systems are uniquely well-suited for urban applications
through its indoor, vertically stackable design. This enables them to
rehabilitate urban blight, by transforming old or vacant buildings into
productive, profitable spaces. Urban farms also create jobs for unskilled labor
and help boost the local economy. In addition, growing locally in urban
centers results in better food safety and security.
Besides, the produce is fresh, pesticide-free, local, longer-lasting, safer, and
clean and dry upon harvest.
No Sun, No water needed!
The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center ( OARDC ) has received a $2 million grant from
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture ( NIFA ) to improve disease
vegetable, horticulture and nursery crops by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address
specific needs.
A crucial need of the greenhouse tomato industry is finding a more systematic and effective way to combat
diseases, which threaten the sustainability of this rapidly growing sector of U.S. vegetable production.
Annual losses of as much as $1 million due to tomato diseases have been reported in large greenhouse
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in recent years. Meanwhile, disease management costs can be prohibitive
for smaller operations.“Greenhouse tomato producers list diseases as the highest risk factor to their
productivity and profitability,” said Sally Miller, a vegetable pathologist with OARDC and Ohio State University
Extension, and the project’s principal investigator. “This grant will allow us to look at the systems currently in
place and make recommendations for improvements. The industry came to us with this need, and we are
responding to it through a comprehensive approach.”
This approach includes, among others, the identification of critical points for introduction and spread of high-
risk pathogens; development of accurate, quick and cost-effective diagnostic tools to detect and identify
diseases; generation of best management practices in conjunction with growers; and assessment of the
various technologies and recommendations to ensure their effectiveness. “The challenges facing greenhouse
tomato production are different from those of field-grown tomatoes, which means the solutions need to be
tailored to this type of production,” Miller pointed out. “In greenhouses, mechanical handling can introduce
problems that impact the entire system. And the diseases are different, too. You may not have Septoria leaf
spot or early blight, but bacterial canker, for example, is expensive to manage and it can take down a whole
greenhouse if it spreads.”
In addition to helping greenhouse producers control plant pathogens more efficiently and cost-effectively,
the project will also focus on preventing foodborne diseases such as salmonella, which have led to recalls
and widespread economic losses in field-grown tomatoes in the past decade. “Looking at plant and
foodborne diseases as part of the same management system is a novel approach for this industry,” Miller
explained. “We will ultimately help producers increase productivity while at the same time improve food
safety for the benefit of both industry and consumers.” Ohio is one of the leading U.S. greenhouse tomato
producers alongside Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Maine, Pennsylvania, New York, California, Tennessee,
Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. Despite intense competition from Canada and Mexico,
408 hectares ( 988 acres ) of greenhouse space were devoted to tomato production in the U.S. in 2007, and
the industry is expected to grow.
Year-round interest in fresh produce as part of healthful diets is driving this growth, with U.S. consumption of
fresh tomatoes jumping 71 percent between 1991 and 2006. While 67 percent of U.S. greenhouse tomato
production takes place in large facilities, small and medium operations are entering the market as a result of
consumer demand for locally grown and specialty produce. OARDC and OSU Extension are the research and
outreach arms, respectively, of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture ( NIFA ) to improve disease
vegetable, horticulture and nursery crops by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address
specific needs.
A crucial need of the greenhouse tomato industry is finding a more systematic and effective way to combat
diseases, which threaten the sustainability of this rapidly growing sector of U.S. vegetable production.
Annual losses of as much as $1 million due to tomato diseases have been reported in large greenhouse
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in recent years. Meanwhile, disease management costs can be prohibitive
for smaller operations.“Greenhouse tomato producers list diseases as the highest risk factor to their
productivity and profitability,” said Sally Miller, a vegetable pathologist with OARDC and Ohio State University
Extension, and the project’s principal investigator. “This grant will allow us to look at the systems currently in
place and make recommendations for improvements. The industry came to us with this need, and we are
responding to it through a comprehensive approach.”
This approach includes, among others, the identification of critical points for introduction and spread of high-
risk pathogens; development of accurate, quick and cost-effective diagnostic tools to detect and identify
diseases; generation of best management practices in conjunction with growers; and assessment of the
various technologies and recommendations to ensure their effectiveness. “The challenges facing greenhouse
tomato production are different from those of field-grown tomatoes, which means the solutions need to be
tailored to this type of production,” Miller pointed out. “In greenhouses, mechanical handling can introduce
problems that impact the entire system. And the diseases are different, too. You may not have Septoria leaf
spot or early blight, but bacterial canker, for example, is expensive to manage and it can take down a whole
greenhouse if it spreads.”
In addition to helping greenhouse producers control plant pathogens more efficiently and cost-effectively,
the project will also focus on preventing foodborne diseases such as salmonella, which have led to recalls
and widespread economic losses in field-grown tomatoes in the past decade. “Looking at plant and
foodborne diseases as part of the same management system is a novel approach for this industry,” Miller
explained. “We will ultimately help producers increase productivity while at the same time improve food
safety for the benefit of both industry and consumers.” Ohio is one of the leading U.S. greenhouse tomato
producers alongside Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Maine, Pennsylvania, New York, California, Tennessee,
Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. Despite intense competition from Canada and Mexico,
408 hectares ( 988 acres ) of greenhouse space were devoted to tomato production in the U.S. in 2007, and
the industry is expected to grow.
Year-round interest in fresh produce as part of healthful diets is driving this growth, with U.S. consumption of
fresh tomatoes jumping 71 percent between 1991 and 2006. While 67 percent of U.S. greenhouse tomato
production takes place in large facilities, small and medium operations are entering the market as a result of
consumer demand for locally grown and specialty produce. OARDC and OSU Extension are the research and
outreach arms, respectively, of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
known as hoop houses, have been particularly beneficial in the north, where
they allow farmers to plant as much as four weeks early and keep growing later
environmentally friendly and a way to help meet the demand for local and
systems and reduce pest problems, diseases and fertilizer costs.
One of the biggest advocates is Terry Nennich, an extension educator at the
University of Minnesota-Crookston, who first learned of them on a 1999 trip to
Normandy in northern France. Few U.S. farmers were using high tunnels then, he
said. The French are "kind of light years ahead of us," Nennich said. "People
there are more concerned about their food and pesticides and quality and
freshness. Their climate isn't as severe in the wintertime but they don't have a
lot of heat up there in the summer." High tunnels typically consist of a series of
hoops covered with plastic that can be rolled up on the sides to allow air
circulation. Prices vary by size, but they often cost just a few thousand dollars.
The USDA does not keep statistics on their use or how much produce is grown in
them.
tomatoes in two tunnels near Skipperville in southeastern Alabama. Snell said he
now can grow the tomatoes year-round and compete with southern Florida
farmers, who usually produce most of the nation's winter tomatoes. An usual,
severe freeze in Florida this year has damaged crops and pushed up produce
prices. "I got some nice looking tomatoes right now. And of course everything is
up, so we're hitting the market just perfect here," Snell said. To promote high
tunnels, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service started a three-year
pilot program through its "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative. It
provided $13 million in the fiscal year that ended last Sept. 30, and more money
is available this year.
USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said the program supports the
agency's mission in helping small- and mid-sized farms thrive and in encouraging
sound conservation practices. She said interested farmers should contact their
local NRCS offices. "It really is a great opportunity for farmers who want to
extend their season and add some money to their bottom line," Merrigan said.
Tomatoes are probably the most profitable high tunnel crop, but cucumbers and
peppers also generate good return, said Karl Foord, a University of Minnesota
extension educator in Farmington. Farmers and researchers nationwide also use
high tunnels for strawberries, raspberries, melons, salad greens, onions, sweet
corn, ginger and flowers.
Mark Boen just added his eighth high tunnel at his farm near Fergus Falls in
northwestern Minnesota, where he describes the weather as "winter, winter,
winter." He plans to use his newest tunnel to start growing romaine lettuce far
earlier in the spring than he could otherwise. He said the tunnels have increased
his tomato production, and the fruit is ready at least a month earlier than
normal. Boen can harvest cucumbers almost two months early. "The season is so
short that high tunnels really make a difference," he said.
His high tunnels are relatively large at 30 feet by 96 feet. Each of the four he
uses for tomatoes hold about 450 plants, which he said yield an average of
about 50 pounds per plant per season. That adds up to about 22,000 pounds
per tunnel and a nice income. He sells most of his produce directly to consumers.
Snell's primary crops were peanuts and watermelons before he built his high
tunnels last winter. His hold about 400 tomato plants each, and he sells to
restaurants, grocers and consumers. He said he and his wife are so pleased
they plan to add three more.
While the federal program typically covers about half of the cost of a high tunnel,
Snell, who is African-American, qualified under a provision for "historically
underserved producers" that picks up 75 percent to 90 percent. "I couldn't have
done it without them. . . . It's saved us," Snell said.
they allow farmers to plant as much as four weeks early and keep growing later
environmentally friendly and a way to help meet the demand for local and
systems and reduce pest problems, diseases and fertilizer costs.
One of the biggest advocates is Terry Nennich, an extension educator at the
University of Minnesota-Crookston, who first learned of them on a 1999 trip to
Normandy in northern France. Few U.S. farmers were using high tunnels then, he
said. The French are "kind of light years ahead of us," Nennich said. "People
there are more concerned about their food and pesticides and quality and
freshness. Their climate isn't as severe in the wintertime but they don't have a
lot of heat up there in the summer." High tunnels typically consist of a series of
hoops covered with plastic that can be rolled up on the sides to allow air
circulation. Prices vary by size, but they often cost just a few thousand dollars.
The USDA does not keep statistics on their use or how much produce is grown in
them.
tomatoes in two tunnels near Skipperville in southeastern Alabama. Snell said he
now can grow the tomatoes year-round and compete with southern Florida
farmers, who usually produce most of the nation's winter tomatoes. An usual,
severe freeze in Florida this year has damaged crops and pushed up produce
prices. "I got some nice looking tomatoes right now. And of course everything is
up, so we're hitting the market just perfect here," Snell said. To promote high
tunnels, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service started a three-year
pilot program through its "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative. It
provided $13 million in the fiscal year that ended last Sept. 30, and more money
is available this year.
USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said the program supports the
agency's mission in helping small- and mid-sized farms thrive and in encouraging
sound conservation practices. She said interested farmers should contact their
local NRCS offices. "It really is a great opportunity for farmers who want to
extend their season and add some money to their bottom line," Merrigan said.
Tomatoes are probably the most profitable high tunnel crop, but cucumbers and
peppers also generate good return, said Karl Foord, a University of Minnesota
extension educator in Farmington. Farmers and researchers nationwide also use
high tunnels for strawberries, raspberries, melons, salad greens, onions, sweet
corn, ginger and flowers.
Mark Boen just added his eighth high tunnel at his farm near Fergus Falls in
northwestern Minnesota, where he describes the weather as "winter, winter,
winter." He plans to use his newest tunnel to start growing romaine lettuce far
earlier in the spring than he could otherwise. He said the tunnels have increased
his tomato production, and the fruit is ready at least a month earlier than
normal. Boen can harvest cucumbers almost two months early. "The season is so
short that high tunnels really make a difference," he said.
His high tunnels are relatively large at 30 feet by 96 feet. Each of the four he
uses for tomatoes hold about 450 plants, which he said yield an average of
about 50 pounds per plant per season. That adds up to about 22,000 pounds
per tunnel and a nice income. He sells most of his produce directly to consumers.
Snell's primary crops were peanuts and watermelons before he built his high
tunnels last winter. His hold about 400 tomato plants each, and he sells to
restaurants, grocers and consumers. He said he and his wife are so pleased
they plan to add three more.
While the federal program typically covers about half of the cost of a high tunnel,
Snell, who is African-American, qualified under a provision for "historically
underserved producers" that picks up 75 percent to 90 percent. "I couldn't have
done it without them. . . . It's saved us," Snell said.
Total World Greenhouse Vegetable Production Area (2011):
402,981 hectares (995,501 acres)
The complete 73 page report, with specific details on greenhouse vegetable production in 115 countries, is
now available at: http://cuestaroble.com/statistics.aspx (www.cuestaroble.com).
extension experience at the University of California, Davis.
Contact:
Gary W. Hickman
Tel: 209-742-4934
Email: gwh@sti.net
www.cuestaroble.com
(FY) 2010. "By capturing solar energy, seasonal high tunnels create favorable conditions enabling farmers
to grow vegetables, berries and other specialty crops in climates and at times of the year in which it would
the extra income, and the community benefits from the availability of fresh, locally grown food."
Seasonal high tunnels are structures made of plastic or metal pipe and covered with plastic or other
sheeting. Easy to build, maintain and move, they provide an energy-efficient way to extend the growing
season. Unlike greenhouses, they require no energy, relying on natural sunlight to modify the climate
inside to create favorable conditions for growing vegetables and other specialty crops.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing financial assistance for seasonal high
tunnels as part of a three-year trial to determine their effectiveness in conserving water, reducing pesticide
use, maintaining vital soil nutrients, and increasing crop yields. The pilot is offered under the Know your
Farmer, Know your Food initiative, a USDA effort to connect farmers and consumers, strengthen local and
regional food production, increase the use of sustainable agricultural practices, and promote consumption
of fresh, local food. In FY 2010, NRCS provided $13 million to landowners through its conservation
programs to install high tunnels, and additional funding is available in FY 2011.
At the end of the pilot, NRCS will assess the conservation impact of seasonal high tunnels. In the
meantime, they are generating high levels of interest around the country. The following examples illustrate
how producers and consumers are benefiting from the installation of high tunnels.
US (NC): Metrolina greenhouses expansion approved
The owners of the nation's largest greenhouse have received the town's OK on a zoning
change that will allow it to expand by about 1.5 million square feet.
On Dec. 20 the Huntersville Board of Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning about 133 acres on
Huntersville-Concord Road to make the expansion possible at family-owned Metrolina Greenhouses Inc.
The property is just east of 16400 Huntersville-Concord Road and just west of the Skybrook North
subdivision. A corner of the property will accommodate a 30-foot-wide greenway trail.
expansion by the end of 2011 and to start construction in 2011 or 2012, depending on market
conditions. The expansion will add 35 jobs to Metrolina's staff of 500 full-time workers, he said. Metrolina
Greenhouses is the largest single-site heated greenhouse business in the U.S., according to the
company's website. Four Concord Mills malls could fit inside, the company says. It also has about 30
acres of outdoor growing space. The company grows about 60 plant types in all.
The owners of the nation's largest greenhouse have received the town's OK on a zoning
change that will allow it to expand by about 1.5 million square feet.
On Dec. 20 the Huntersville Board of Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning about 133 acres on
Huntersville-Concord Road to make the expansion possible at family-owned Metrolina Greenhouses Inc.
The property is just east of 16400 Huntersville-Concord Road and just west of the Skybrook North
subdivision. A corner of the property will accommodate a 30-foot-wide greenway trail.
expansion by the end of 2011 and to start construction in 2011 or 2012, depending on market
conditions. The expansion will add 35 jobs to Metrolina's staff of 500 full-time workers, he said. Metrolina
Greenhouses is the largest single-site heated greenhouse business in the U.S., according to the
company's website. Four Concord Mills malls could fit inside, the company says. It also has about 30
acres of outdoor growing space. The company grows about 60 plant types in all.
Mark Gauger at Maple View Farm in Harwinton, Conn., is looking for a few good
crops—for winter production. The Republican American reports Gauger, like a
growing number of farmers, is extending his production season in unheated
grow as long as the soil is warm.
Gauger has had some success selling crops at a farmers market in Litchfield,
Conn. The paper said Gauger and other members of the Northwest Family Farm
Cooperative are planning to extend farmers market sales next year beyond the
end of October.
greenhouses in Navarra and is still growing. Tomato production increases by 25%
with this system, and leaf crops up to 100%.
Lettuce is grown in a floating tray on top of an aqueous solution. Since lettuce
does not stay fresh for long they harvested just before sale. Although it may
sound like science fiction, this agricultural practice is a reality that is gaining ground
in the fields of Navarre.
It is called hydroponics and it occupies 6% of the 235 acres that are dedicated to
greenhouses in Navarre.
with this system, and leaf crops up to 100%.
Lettuce is grown in a floating tray on top of an aqueous solution. Since lettuce
does not stay fresh for long they harvested just before sale. Although it may
sound like science fiction, this agricultural practice is a reality that is gaining ground
in the fields of Navarre.
It is called hydroponics and it occupies 6% of the 235 acres that are dedicated to
greenhouses in Navarre.
"We're very excited about it," said Paul Zamprelli, business director for Orbitec.
"It's another piece of the puzzle for long-duration missions, and for habitat
The new Orbitec unit, which the company calls "Veggie," contains LED lighting
and a matting that delivers water and nutrients to a plant's roots. Each Veggie
unit provides up to one square meter (about 10.8 square feet) of extremely
productive growing area, according to the company.
"By controlling lighting and humidity, we maximize plant growth and can turn over
crops very quickly," Zamprelli told SPACE.com.
The Veggie unit is based on one of Orbitec's previous systems, which got a field
test on the International Space Station several years back. But the new set-up
has a different lighting system that is more efficient and uses less power, the
company says.
And unlike the older system, Veggie isn't totally enclosed, meaning crops would
be more accessible to a spacecraft's crew.
"We think of it as like a garden," Zamprelli said. "Astronauts can go in and pick
the vegetables."
During Desert RATS, which wrapped up Wednesday (Sept. 15) north of Flagstaff,
Ariz., NASA-led teams of scientists and engineers tested out prototype hardware
for future space missions.
The program only runs for two weeks each year, not enough time to grow any
leafy greens in a prototype spacecraft or habitat. So Veggie's Desert RATS run
was more of a show-and-tell demo than a proper field trial. But Veggie should get
that chance soon, according to Zamprelli.
"We fully expect that two Veggie units will get the go-ahead to go up to the
space station soon," he said.
The need for space greenhouses down the road
The Veggie system fits in well with NASA's priorities. In addition to researching
ways to grow crops on other worlds, the space agency has been conducting
plant-growth experiments in space for years.
"We pretty much always have some plants growing on the space station," said
Julie Robinson, NASA program scientist for the International Space Station.
Most of these experiments have focused on plant roots, she said, to figure out
how microgravity affects crops' water and nutrient uptake. Some of the research
has delivered surprises. Overwatering lettuce in space, for example, didn't harm
the plants; it caused them to sprout and grow twice as fast.
NASA has other space-crop research angles, too. The agency is investigating
algae-powered bioreactors, to see if such devices could generate enough oxygen
for astronauts to breathe. Finally, NASA wants to know if astronauts on a long
space flight could grow enough food to sustain themselves, and if these space
crops would be healthy and good to eat.
Robinson said this last goal — the one that Veggie is directly addressing — is
more of a long-term objective, one that needs to be dealt with if we want to
travel beyond Mars.
"You'd have to be going farther than Mars to really need to grow food," she told
SPACE.com. "The lack of fresh fruit and vegetables wouldn't be a huge deal.
People can survive on rations for six months if they need to."
"It's another piece of the puzzle for long-duration missions, and for habitat
The new Orbitec unit, which the company calls "Veggie," contains LED lighting
and a matting that delivers water and nutrients to a plant's roots. Each Veggie
unit provides up to one square meter (about 10.8 square feet) of extremely
productive growing area, according to the company.
"By controlling lighting and humidity, we maximize plant growth and can turn over
crops very quickly," Zamprelli told SPACE.com.
The Veggie unit is based on one of Orbitec's previous systems, which got a field
test on the International Space Station several years back. But the new set-up
has a different lighting system that is more efficient and uses less power, the
company says.
And unlike the older system, Veggie isn't totally enclosed, meaning crops would
be more accessible to a spacecraft's crew.
"We think of it as like a garden," Zamprelli said. "Astronauts can go in and pick
the vegetables."
During Desert RATS, which wrapped up Wednesday (Sept. 15) north of Flagstaff,
Ariz., NASA-led teams of scientists and engineers tested out prototype hardware
for future space missions.
The program only runs for two weeks each year, not enough time to grow any
leafy greens in a prototype spacecraft or habitat. So Veggie's Desert RATS run
was more of a show-and-tell demo than a proper field trial. But Veggie should get
that chance soon, according to Zamprelli.
"We fully expect that two Veggie units will get the go-ahead to go up to the
space station soon," he said.
The need for space greenhouses down the road
The Veggie system fits in well with NASA's priorities. In addition to researching
ways to grow crops on other worlds, the space agency has been conducting
plant-growth experiments in space for years.
"We pretty much always have some plants growing on the space station," said
Julie Robinson, NASA program scientist for the International Space Station.
Most of these experiments have focused on plant roots, she said, to figure out
how microgravity affects crops' water and nutrient uptake. Some of the research
has delivered surprises. Overwatering lettuce in space, for example, didn't harm
the plants; it caused them to sprout and grow twice as fast.
NASA has other space-crop research angles, too. The agency is investigating
algae-powered bioreactors, to see if such devices could generate enough oxygen
for astronauts to breathe. Finally, NASA wants to know if astronauts on a long
space flight could grow enough food to sustain themselves, and if these space
crops would be healthy and good to eat.
Robinson said this last goal — the one that Veggie is directly addressing — is
more of a long-term objective, one that needs to be dealt with if we want to
travel beyond Mars.
"You'd have to be going farther than Mars to really need to grow food," she told
SPACE.com. "The lack of fresh fruit and vegetables wouldn't be a huge deal.
People can survive on rations for six months if they need to."
ORBITEC’s BioProducts and BioProduction Systems Group is dedicated to creating
the next generation of bio-agricultural products through system and service solutions that
increase plant productivity with dramatic operational cost savings. Our unique capabilities stem
from twenty years of research in environmental control and life-support systems for NASA. Our
yield crops through lighting, control systems, automation and growth services.
the next generation of bio-agricultural products through system and service solutions that
increase plant productivity with dramatic operational cost savings. Our unique capabilities stem
from twenty years of research in environmental control and life-support systems for NASA. Our
yield crops through lighting, control systems, automation and growth services.
In the next decade, plants will become the
energy sources. By 2011, plant-derived drugs
alone will grow into a $26 billion market, and
chronic pain.
Strains on biosecurity and product
development threaten to reduce the full
potential for plant-based products. A true
bio-based economy requires new methods for
provide a safe and consistent growing
environment to reduce development risks,
while pushing the limits of traditional plant
yields with a more productive and
cost-effective system.
energy sources. By 2011, plant-derived drugs
alone will grow into a $26 billion market, and
chronic pain.
Strains on biosecurity and product
development threaten to reduce the full
potential for plant-based products. A true
bio-based economy requires new methods for
provide a safe and consistent growing
environment to reduce development risks,
while pushing the limits of traditional plant
yields with a more productive and
cost-effective system.
Applications include:
•Accelerated research and development of plant-made products
•Optimizing and validating growth and biomanufacturing environmental conditions
•Controlled manufacturing of protein modified plants with environmental variables tailored
specifically for high yield
•Biosecure transgenic crop development
•Year-round local crops, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
150 to around 1,000 in next three years. The state government is offering several
incentives to encourage cultivators for developing greenhouses.
"We have already seen 150 greenhouses coming up in Gujarat in last one year. The
role of protected cultivation in greenhouses is increasing globally. In Gujarat as well,
we want to encourage cultivation in greenhouses, especially that of exotic flowers,
fruits and vegetables. In next three years, we hope to add another 850 greenhouses
in Gujarat," said Dileep Sanghani, minister of state for agriculture and cooperation,
Government of Gujarat on the sidelines of a seminar on 'Agribusiness – Opportunities
and Challenges' on Wednesday.
While the central government already offers a 25 per cent subsidy for greenhouse
development, the Gujarat government is also providing a 50 per cent subsidy for
greenhouse structure. Moreover, according to SR Chaudhari, director of horticulture,
Gujarat government, cultivators can also avail a six per cent interest on subsidy and
25 per cent subsidy on electricity, for five years each. "In terms of project cost, it
takes an average Rs 26 lakh per greenhouse per acre, while cultivators earn an
average profit of Rs 5-6 lakh per greenhouse. Currently, India contributes only one
per cent to the total $ 7,400 million fresh floriculture trade globally. We hope to see
Gujarat's contribution in this to increase in the near future," said Chaudhari.
Source: business-standard.com
Publication date: 12/10/2010
Greenhouses, Kits and Supplies
But Lufa isn’t a “dirt” farm; the growing operation will be hydroponic. Some types of plants grow directly in the water; others are grown in an inert medium, such as
green roof in a way, but there are no pathways, no frills. Just greenhouses. Mohamed Hage and Kurt Lynn had the idea for the farm, brought in Howard Resh, a well-
known horticulturalist, and then spent about four years in study and consultation with architects, engineers, plant scientists, nutritionists and greenhouse operators
before launching construction during the summer. One of their important supporters was Michel Leonard, president of Fonds de placement immobilier BTB, the
firm that owns and manages the office building under the Lufa greenhouse. He says putting greenhouses on roofs is a good idea for developers and owners because
there are “many benefits, including a new source of revenue and a more responsible posture with respect to urban issues.” “We were willing to take a risk with Lufa
Farms on this project because we think there can be many interesting and profitable development possibilities that come out of this. We’ve had to work out several
unusual issues with the construction and zoning of the greenhouse, but frankly, this takes ‘going green’ for building and development to a new level.” A number of
specialists were involved, including Westbrook Greenhouse Systems, of Beamsville, Ont., a supplier of commercial greenhouse structures, and GKC, a Montreal
architecture firm with a number of environmental projects in its portfolio. The general contractor is FDA Construction, which specializes in unusual construction.
The first crops are to be seeded in January, with harvesting to begin a few weeks later. As the crop rotation develops, the farm will offer a range of perhaps two dozen
fruits and vegetables. They plan to have things like potatoes, onions, carrots, berries, tomatoes and the like. All will be organic; none will be genetically modified.
Consumers will be able to buy by subscription. That means signing a contract to receive a basket of assorted produce, delivered weekly. Lufa Farms is already looking
for more rooftops to farm, scouting not only for a second Montreal site, but looking, too, for building developers or building owners willing to partner with them in
other parts of Quebec and Ontario, or in the northeastern United States. They’re especially interested, they say, in buildings that offer 100,000 square feet of roof space
or more.
Source: dcnonl.com Publication date: 11/12/2010
green roof in a way, but there are no pathways, no frills. Just greenhouses. Mohamed Hage and Kurt Lynn had the idea for the farm, brought in Howard Resh, a well-
known horticulturalist, and then spent about four years in study and consultation with architects, engineers, plant scientists, nutritionists and greenhouse operators
before launching construction during the summer. One of their important supporters was Michel Leonard, president of Fonds de placement immobilier BTB, the
firm that owns and manages the office building under the Lufa greenhouse. He says putting greenhouses on roofs is a good idea for developers and owners because
there are “many benefits, including a new source of revenue and a more responsible posture with respect to urban issues.” “We were willing to take a risk with Lufa
Farms on this project because we think there can be many interesting and profitable development possibilities that come out of this. We’ve had to work out several
unusual issues with the construction and zoning of the greenhouse, but frankly, this takes ‘going green’ for building and development to a new level.” A number of
specialists were involved, including Westbrook Greenhouse Systems, of Beamsville, Ont., a supplier of commercial greenhouse structures, and GKC, a Montreal
architecture firm with a number of environmental projects in its portfolio. The general contractor is FDA Construction, which specializes in unusual construction.
The first crops are to be seeded in January, with harvesting to begin a few weeks later. As the crop rotation develops, the farm will offer a range of perhaps two dozen
fruits and vegetables. They plan to have things like potatoes, onions, carrots, berries, tomatoes and the like. All will be organic; none will be genetically modified.
Consumers will be able to buy by subscription. That means signing a contract to receive a basket of assorted produce, delivered weekly. Lufa Farms is already looking
for more rooftops to farm, scouting not only for a second Montreal site, but looking, too, for building developers or building owners willing to partner with them in
other parts of Quebec and Ontario, or in the northeastern United States. They’re especially interested, they say, in buildings that offer 100,000 square feet of roof space
or more.
Source: dcnonl.com Publication date: 11/12/2010