Vancouver-based Village Farms International Inc. (TSX: VFF) announced today its plans to build a state-of-the-art greenhouse in Monahans, Texas.
The project broke ground in early June. It will be the fifth greenhouse built by the company in Texas and is expected to begin production in early 2012.
The Monahans greenhouse will initially employ 80 to 100 people and bear a capital cost of approximately US$42 million
Michael DeGiglio, CEO of Village Farms stated, “Currently we face increased demand for our U.S. product because of the 'buy local' food movement. Given the momentum of this cultural change, our new facility is well positioned to support our customers in this increased demand for regionally grown fresh premium produce.
“We are very excited about this next project not only because it is in the state of Texas but also because it will be one of most advanced commercial food producing greenhouses built to date.”
The Monahans greenhouse will have a resource-efficient hydroponic growing system. In keeping with the company's "good for the earth" sustainability philosophy, the project is focused on water conservation, land preservation, food safety, integrated pest management, and reducing its overall carbon footprint.
The greenhouse will recycle its water up to five times and utilize 86% less water compared withfield tomato farming. Higher yields per acre equate to less land for producing greater quantities of food, up to 30 times more food per acre compared to field farming.
In addition, the Monahans greenhouse will receive a portion of its electricity from renewable wind power. It will operate within a fully enclosed system, mitigating outside contaminants and unwanted crop pressures.
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: jharrison_biv