Local demand pushing greenhouses to expand
Plans by several greenhouse operators to add 1.5 million in vegetable greenhouse space near Medicine Hat over the next several years is being led by consumers’ wish for domestic produce, says the head of one company leading the charge.
Ryan Cramer, of Big Marble Farms, told the News on Thursday that after completing a 10-acre expansion late last year, another 10-acre phase of the huge facility near Highway 3 could be built in 2021.
“It’s a response to retailer demand,” said Cramer, who believes long-term marketing strategy by vegetable producers to be food conscious and eat and support local has been “amplified” during the pandemic.
In winter months and certain times of the year however, grocers and even packers bring in produce from Mexico and the United States to keep supply chains active.
New space at Big Marble, along with heat, light and carbon dioxide-capture systems, would allow for year-round growing.
“We’re tying to take a market share that’s better filled by local growers,” he said.
Big Marble is just one of three greenhouse operators with plans to add substantial space in the near future.
Last fall, Sunshine Growers was approved to move ahead with a six-acre expansion, and further north, along the Holsom Road, Ruben’s Veggies has outlined plans to build a 40-acre greenhouse complex in stages.
Big Marble’s 2019-20 expansion at the plant, near Highway 3 on Range Road 63, added 35 full-time jobs and added on-site power generation units.
The firm now has its 2021 expansion before Cypress County planning commission, as well as the Alberta Utilities Commission regarding generators that supply the facility.
Cramer said the new phase would have a blackout curtain system similar to one installed on the 2020 expansion, which he says has performed “beyond satisfaction,” and other improvements are being contemplated.
“We recognize that our neighbours have some concerns,” he said. “We’re being good neighbours, and it’s a major investment.”
When built, the total size of the facility would be 55 acres, or 2.4 million square feet.
A new facility, proposed by Reuben’s Veggies, outlines four 10-acre phases for vegetable growing west of Medicine Hat near Holsom Road on Range Road 72.
Last year, that drew opposition from owners in a nearby country-residential area, but Cypress County approved the subdivision plan last summer by a 5-4 vote.
Chloe Veurink, of Ruben’s, told the News on Thursday there is no current timeline on proceeding with further applications to build, but the sector has seen higher profile orders during the last year.
She attributes that to more Canadians cooking at home and a greater awareness of supporting domestic food suppliers.
“During the pandemic we’ve seen a definite increase in demand, particularly in grocery store orders,” she told the News.
Sunshine Growers, located north of Big Marble nearer to the Holsom Road on Range Road 63, submitted plans to add six acres to the 10-acre facility built in the area three years ago. That is underway with most of the support structure now visible.