Demand is increasing for greenhouse vegetables in British Columbia–no surprise with the holiday season just ahead. For Windset Farms, this season it will be the first winter growing produce from its expanded greenhouse facility in Delta, B.C. which means the company will be able to supply produce from the province year-round. "This winter we'll harvest a variety of tomatoes and cucumbers, including tomatoes on the vine, grape tomatoes, long English cucumbers and mini cucumbers, from the 48 acres of LED-lit production in Delta, supplying retail and food service across the Pacific Northwest," says Ryan Cherry, Director of Sales of Windset Farms.
This season it will be the first winter growing produce from Windset's expanded greenhouse facility in Delta, B.C.
Plantings in the new Delta greenhouse facility first took place in the summer and this winter LED lights will be used to continue the growing. "Unlike most lit greenhouses, which rely on high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting or a mix of HPS and LEDs, we worked with BC Hydro to secure enough power to go 100 percent LEDs, which use less power than HPS," says Cherry. "It's one of the many ways we prioritized sustainability in the new build and future builds.
Along with Delta, the company will also supply crops this winter from Santa Maria, California, and Mexico which collectively allow the company assurances in supply. In California for example, a 168-acre greenhouse produces year-round under long sunny days. "The facility is the largest single-site vegetable production facility in the United States. The greenhouse is situated close to highly populated areas, meaning we can improve product freshness for consumers with more frequent deliveries," says Cherry.
The company will also supply crops this winter from Santa Maria, California, and Mexico which collectively allow the company assurances in supply.
New tomato variety
Back in B.C., this winter the company is growing its recently launched VIVO® Tomatoes on the Vine. "The tomato is an Avalantino variety and is sized between a cocktail tomato and a traditional tomato on the vine. It's exceptionally sweet, and its size makes it perfect for slicing or roasting," says Cherry, noting that the name follows the company's music and art theme given that VIVO in Italian means "lively." The tomato lidding film incorporates a vibrant green color that compliments the red tomatoes inside and is available in a 3lb or 1lb offering.
As for demand, while it's picking up now before the holidays, the company is seeing strengthening demand for locally, sustainably grown produce. With its new Delta expansion, the company is using its social platforms to educate consumers on sustainable growing practices, including utilizing a high-tech water recirculation system and installing thermal screens in the greenhouse to prevent heat loss. 
The VIVO tomato is an Avalantino variety and is sized between a cocktail tomato and a traditional tomato on the vine.
This education also includes Windset Farms' partnership with executive chef Ned Bell who is doing a cooking segment leading up to the holiday season on CTV, a popular news channel in British Columbia. Chef Ned–a Buy BC ambassador who's partnered with the company on a recipe series promoting sustainable agriculture– will showcase two holiday appetizers using Windset Farms produce, including the new VIVO Tomatoes on the Vine. Cherry goes on to say that "these promotions and partnerships are instrumental in our marketing efforts, especially this winter when consumers will see our BC-grown tomatoes and cucumbers on the store shelves."
For more information:
Randi Church
Windset Farms
Tel.: +1 (778) 908-1029
[email protected]
www.greenhousegrown.com