One of the biggest benefits of greenhouse produce is the ability to supply fresh, delicious produce all year long. This is made possible by growing the produce in a controlled, high-tech environment, which means it is less reliant on outside climate conditions compared to traditional growing methods. Greenhouse-grown produce also ensures greater consistency across crops, with uniform flavor and shape.
At Red Sun Farms, they strive to minimize waste whenever possible. Their tomato production uses up to five times less water than what is required for field production. 75%-85% of the water used comes from rainwater collected from the roofs of the greenhouses. Any water not used by the plants is sterilized, reconditioned, and recycled back into the greenhouse. This approach is particularly significant when considering that each plant consumes 1-2 liters of water per day, and up to 3 liters in the heat of summer.
Red Sun Farms was featured in Season 2, Episode 01: Tomatoes From The Ceiling of Where The Food Comes From! Watch the full episode on YouTube today!
In addition to reusing renewable resources like water, high-tech greenhouse structures and strict protocols virtually eliminate the need for pesticides. Instead, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are used whenever possible. If a harmful insect is found in the greenhouse, beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, are introduced to protect the plants and eliminate the threat. High-tech greenhouses also use bumblebees for natural pollination, which helps increase crop yield, improve quality, and reduce labor costs.
Many greenhouse plants are grown hydroponically, without conventional soil. This growing method reduces the strain on natural resources by using up to 95% less water per pound of yield compared to field crops of the same type.
The post What are the benefits of greenhouse grown produce? first appeared in The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Have A Plant® blog.
Red Sun Farms is one of North America’s largest fully vertically integrated high-tech greenhouse growers. Our vertical integration bridges the gap between grower, retailer, and consumer. With farms across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, we lead the industry by combining innovation and efficiency at every step of the growing process.
About The Foundation For Fresh Produce And Have A Plant® Movement
The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s vision is to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. The produce industry has the potential to provide solutions for many of the world’s greatest health and economic challenges – especially those surrounding nutrition and hunger.
The Foundation focuses on improving the appeal of fruit and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, supporting the development of infrastructure and supply chain solutions that provide easier access, and establishing strategic alliances that enable children and families to form healthier eating habits.
The transformative Have A Plant® Movement inspires consumers with compelling reasons to believe in the powerful role fruits and vegetables can play to fuel happy, healthy and active lifestyles.
