wers SUNSET® Produce have recently completed Phase II construction of their greenhouse Coldwater Farms, doubling the operation to 60 acres.Open since 2012, the facility grows SUNSET® tomatoes on the vine and grape tomatoes 365 days a year. This state of the art greenhouse uses advanced technology including energy curtains and grow lights to provide fresh flavour all year round, even when there’s snow on the ground.
“The ability to grow fresh tomatoes in the middle of winter is something we are very proud of,” stated CEO Paul Mastronardi. “The location of Coldwater means we can pick, pack and ship the freshest possible tomatoes in the same day. This means we continue to deliver the highest flavor possible while also reducing food miles.”
SUNSET® recently planted tomatoes on the vine, beefsteak and Angel Sweet™
plants, with the first harvest expected to be in 7 weeks. The new addition features a diffused glass ceiling, which evenly distributes sunlight throughout the greenhouse. “The diffused glass is pretty incredible because it’s simple but so efficient. When sunlight hits it, it gets distributed at different angles to cover the greenhouse with more light,” explained Christopher Gill, Director of Greenhouse Operations. “This means that plants are more exposed to sunlight and take in more CO2, which contributes to increased growth and better quality fruit year round. Anywhere you stand in the greenhouse you’ll never see your shadow.”
Like Phase I, Phase II includes automated harvest carts for efficient and ergonomic harvesting, the use of recycled water and fertilizer, and a rainwater irrigation system. With the new addition, Coldwater Farms will soon become a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program-verified farm in recognition of SUNSET’s environmental initiatives.
Coldwater’s strategic location contributes to SUNSET’s Green Grass Project™ by decreasing the amount of food miles and delivering fresh and flavorful product to the Midwest all year round. Consumers can look for Michigan grown tomatoes at retailers across the Midwest.
