A new six-acre greenhouse expansion by Wholesum Family Farms in Nogales, AZ will produce an estimate of 3.5 million pounds of organic beefsteak tomatoess.
The expansion adds to the firm’s’ existing 18-acre facility in Amado, Ariz., according to a news release, and will use sustainable greenhouse technology. First harvest is expected in November.
The expansion adds 25 year-round employees and the new production will be Fair Trade certified, according to the release.
After the expansion, all of Wholesum’s beefsteak tomatoes will be grown in the U.S., according to the release.
“This expansion is very exciting for us at Wholesum,” Ricardo Crisantes, chief commercial officer, said in the release. “It keeps with our vision of creating an impact in the organic food industry through a sustainable business model that cares about its workers.”
The Ultra-Clima concept greenhouse offers energy-efficient control of climate conditions and features infared sensors to monitor plant growth, according to the release.
“We focus on social and environmental responsibility in every aspect of our operations and this greenhouse is a reflection of those efforts,” Crisantes said in the release.
The expansion concludes the second phase of Wholesum’s growth strategy, which began with a 12-acre facility built in 2011 and a six-acre greenhouse added in 2014. Two more construction phases are planned, according to the release.