As weather woes continue to challenge field-grown berry yields, greenhouse producer Nature Fresh Farms has launched new greenhouse-grown, organic strawberries, according to a release.
“Nature Fresh Farms is always looking for ways to support our customers by listening to their challenges and addressing their concern,” said Matt Quiring, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Nature Fresh Farms. “One such challenge was field berry supply; particularly ongoing weather and water challenges that continue to impact field growers, causing inconsistent supply. Our organic greenhouse berries address this concern, providing peak supply while field grown is most depleted and filling in supply gaps.”
Nature Fresh Farms' controlled environment agriculture growing practices require approximately 70% less water for strawberry crop growth, while allowing for increased crop cleanliness and closer-to- market production when compared to field, the Leamington, Ontario-based company says.
“Greenhouse-grown berries are the future, and we know that also includes organics,” said Quiring, who explains that greenhouse farmers don't face the challenges of weather, draught, fire or overspray that field famers do. “Because of this, greenhouse farmers are able to provide a more favorable crop that is consistent in flavor, freshness, quality and availability and provide consumers with a fresher berry that is selected for taste and eating experience versus shelf life and transportability.”
With its new 45-acre organic strawberry facility coming online this fall, Nature Fresh Farms says it's focused on developing retailer partnerships within the berry category.
“Aligning our sales team with the strategic focuses of our business and that of our partners allows us to continue to provide insights, strategic development opportunities and marketing campaigns to help drive the success of the program, increase revenue and promote repeat purchase,” says Quiring.
The Nature Fresh Farms team will be at booth #500 during Southeast Produce Council's upcoming Southern Innovations in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 14-16, 2023.