Investing in sustainable greenhouse growing systems

CHATHAM, ON, Sept. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry is an important driver of economic growth in Canada. The Government of Canada continues to support the sector as it reduces emissions and adopts sustainable practices that lead to more efficient use of water and energy.  

Member of Parliament Peter Fragiskatos (London North Centre), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, announced today an investment of up to $3.7 million for two Chatham companies to collaboratively reduce their environmental footprint, while making their operations more productive and competitive.

The investment is enabling Greenfield Global to install new Dutch technology that pipes waste heat and carbon-dioxide across the road to Truly Green Farms, reducing the greenhouse energy costs and boosting tomato yields.

Quotes

"The environment and the economy go hand in hand, and our government knows that supporting sustainable solutions in agriculture will spur clean innovation, create jobs, and lead to a stronger agricultural sector. This project is a great example of two Chatham companies working together to improve greenhouse yields, while lowering their environmental footprint." 
- MP Peter Fragiskatos (London North Centre)

"The environmental benefits of ethanol production can extend well beyond the gas tank. This investment is helping Greenfield convert what was previously waste heat vented from a heat stack at our ethanol facility in Chatham, into the heat needed to grow greenhouse tomatoes with lower energy use and heating costs. Working with greenhouses, we are expanding opportunities for sustainability both in our products and how we produce them."
- Howard Field, President and CEO of Greenfield Global

" Sustainable agriculture improves the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the jobs in our communities. Truly Green has developed an innovative partnership with Greenfield to use waste heat from its ethanol process to boost the production of our greenhouse tomatoes. This investment is helping us become the first greenhouse of its kind to be warmed by waste heat. It will also make us one of the most energy-efficient greenhouses in North America."
-  Greg Devries, President Truly Green Farms & Cedarline Greenhouses 

Quick facts

• Greenfield Global is a world leader in specialty alcohols and the largest ethanol producer in Canada.
• Truly Green Farms has 45 acres of tomato production, with another 45 acres to be built.
• The project has generated 200 new jobs since it was conceived in 2012.
• This repayable investment is being made through the Growing Forward 2 AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698 million initiative.

Additional links

Growing Forward 2 ? Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
AgriInnovation ? Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
Greenfield Global 
Truly Green Farms

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada