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Sustainable Growing

Walking the greenhouses of Leamington, Ontario: a journey into the heart of Controlled Environment Agriculture

Mona Nazari
October 10, 2024

Grodan’s products and services are ‘Designed to grow together’. In other words, those who work with us, grow with us, collaborating as we jointly explore a purpose-led path: one that starts at the intersection of nature and tech. While automation and efficiency are paramount in horticulture, the human touch – how a grower leads, motivates and inspires their team – remains indispensable. In this blog, Mona Nazari, Area Marketer for North America, writes about her exploration of the high-tech greenhouses and management philosophies of some of our Canadian customers.

Leamington, Ontario – known as the tomato capital of North America – is a place where the line between nature and innovation is beautifully blurred. As I walked through the sprawling greenhouses, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for the growers who’ve mastered the art and science of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). In my 2.5 years with Grodan, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of the most passionate and forward-thinking individuals in the horticulture industry. This journey was not only about understanding the technology that powers these high-tech greenhouses, but also about appreciating the unique management philosophies that truly drive success.

At Pinnacle Acres, the energy was palpable. Basketball courts, ‘foosball’ tables and arcade games (Street Fighter and Pac-Man, the best!) punctuated the workday, making it clear that this was a place where play and work intersect in the best possible way. In the staff break area, a mural depicting the Roman emperor Tiberius caught my eye. Adam, general manager and head grower, explained that Tiberius, who ruled from 14 AD to 37 AD, collected plants and is regarded as the first to grow crops in controlled environments. This connection between ancient innovation and modern technology struck a chord with me. It’s a reminder that while we’re always pushing forward, we’re also standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.  

NA grower Pinnacle Acres, greenhouse

Introduction to Controlled Environment Agriculture

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) represents a groundbreaking shift in the way we grow our food. By leveraging advanced technology, CEA creates optimal growing conditions for crops, ensuring they thrive regardless of external climatic conditions. From simple shade structures to sophisticated high-tech greenhouses, CEA systems meticulously control factors like lighting, water, and ventilation. This precision not only decreases the risk of disease and pest damage but also significantly reduces water and nutrient usage, leading to increased crop yields. Imagine a world where we can grow fresh produce year-round, sustainably and efficiently. That’s the promise of CEA, transforming agriculture into a more productive and eco-friendly endeavour. Continue reading about CEA.

Designed to grow together

Jason Mills at Ketler Farms offered another fascinating perspective. Jason has designed a mentorship model that allows junior growers to grow together as the business expands, with each expansion phase offering a chance for them to take the lead role in place of their mentor. This isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about creating a succession plan that ensures the farm’s future is in good hands. Jason’s approach emphasises the importance of developing not just horticultural skills, but also leadership and operational expertise. It’s clear that at Ketler Farms, growth is as much about people as it is about plants.

Then there’s Ryan Rutgers from Pure Flavor. Ryan, with his extensive and impressive executive tenure at a market-leading company, emphasised the importance of equipping his team with the right tools to succeed. "It’s not just about having the latest technology,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that it’s implemented and used effectively." His approach of ensuring everyone around him is proactively equipped to solve problems creates a high-performance culture – and I could see that the team was cultivating high-quality produce as a result.

History and evolution of horticulture in Leamington

Leamington, Ontario, has a storied history in horticulture that dates back to the 19th century. Blessed with fertile soil, a moderate climate, and abundant water resources, this region quickly became a prime location for growing a variety of crops, from fruits and vegetables to ornamental plants. Over the decades, Leamington has evolved from traditional farming methods to becoming a beacon of high-tech greenhouse production. Today, it stands as a testament to the region’s adaptability and innovation, with state-of-the-art greenhouses that optimize crop growth and production. This evolution underscores Leamington’s pivotal role in advancing horticultural practices and ensuring a steady supply of high-quality produce.

Horticultural crops in Leamington

Leamington’s greenhouses are a vibrant tapestry of horticultural crops, showcasing a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and medicinal crops. The region is renowned for its tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce, all thriving under the controlled conditions of high-tech greenhouses. But the horticultural magic doesn’t stop there. Leamington also boasts an impressive production of ornamental plants, including roses, gerbera daisies, and orchids. The area’s mild winters and extended growing season create the perfect environment for cultivating these crops, ensuring they meet the specific climatic conditions required for optimal growth. This diversity not only enriches the local economy but also highlights Leamington’s expertise in horticultural science.  

NA grower Pure Flavor, greenhouse

Pushing the boundaries of Controlled Environment Agriculture for horticultural crops

But it’s not just the growers who are innovating. At Grodan, we’re continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Controlled Environment Agriculture. From the engineering and science behind our stone wool growing media to our advocacy efforts towards policymakers on behalf of the high-tech greenhouse industry as a whole, we are dedicated to ensuring that the technology meets the needs of today while also anticipating the challenges of tomorrow. What sets us apart most of all, however, is our commitment to the entire value chain – from supporting sustainability and end-of-life solutions such as recycling services, to providing technical support from advisors who have walked in the growers' shoes.

As the Area Marketer for North America, my role isn’t about simply determining the traditional 4 P’s. It’s about connecting the dots between what our customers need and the resources we can offer. At Grodan, it kind of feels like we’re all part of the product. It’s never going to just be about plugs, blocks, and slabs – it’s about the teams we have, the support we offer, and the focus we place on driving the entire sector forward.

NA grower Pinnacle Acres, greenhouse, People in photo: Mona Nazari, Area Marketing Manager with Adam Hubbeard from Pinnacle Farms, and Kent Hamilton, Account Manager

Research and development in CEA

Research and development are the driving force of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), creating continuous improvements and innovations. Scientists and researchers are tirelessly working to enhance CEA systems, focusing on areas like lighting, hydroponics, and aeroponics to boost crop growth and efficiency. By experimenting with different techniques and technologies, they aim to reduce water and nutrient usage while maximizing yields. Additionally, there’s a growing interest in developing CEA systems for enclosed environments, such as greenhouses and indoor farms, to create optimal growing conditions year-round. This ongoing research not only pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in plant production but also paves the way for a more sustainable and productive future in horticulture.

Leadership brings high tech greenhouses to life

Walking through these high-tech greenhouses, I was reminded that while technology plays a crucial role in Controlled Environment Agriculture, it’s the people – their philosophies, their management styles, their passion – that truly make the difference. It’s their vision and leadership that bring these high-tech environments to life. And at Grodan, we remain committed to innovating, collaborating with, and supporting horticulture professionals to tap into future opportunities.

In horticulture, nothing stays the same for long. But with the right tools, the right people, and the right approach, we’re all growing together – and that’s something worth celebrating.

Careers and education in horticulture

A career in horticulture offers a blend of challenge and reward, with numerous paths for advancement and specialization. Whether you’re interested in greenhouse production, plant breeding, or horticultural science, the opportunities are vast. Educational programs in horticulture are designed to equip aspiring professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic field. From degree programs in plant production and greenhouse management to specialized workshops in hydroponics and aeroponics, there’s a wealth of learning opportunities available.

 

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