US(CA): Houweling’s hosts Seedstock field trip
With a focus on sustainability, the group learned about Houweling’s water conservation efforts and energy projects including its 5 acre solar PV field and 3 GE Jenbacher Ecomagination generators. The project which was the first in California to qualify for an AB1613 power purchase agreement, is generating 13.2 MW of power, exceeding the company’s needs and allowing supply back to the grid. Additionally 15.9 MW of thermal energy is captured and stored to heat the greenhouse and finally the flue gases are purified into CO2 for plant fertilization, diverting the annual emissions equivalent of over 6000 cars.
As always, drawing the most enthusiasm from the group was the opportunity to step inside Houweling’s Ultra-Clima overpressure greenhouse. 22 acres of vines with the ability to seamlessly supply, local California grown tomatoes year-round. “I love watching people take that first step into the Greenhouse,” says Casey Houweling, the company president and CEO. “The look of wonder on their faces as their senses take in the sights, sounds and freshness within the greenhouse.” Having broken the tour down to smaller groups, participants relished the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how Houweling’s has become the leader in sustainable greenhouse farming.
Houweling’s was excited to partner with Seedstock again on this event, having participated in the 2012, 1st annual conference. “We’re proud at Houweling’s to open our doors to a conference like this,” notes David Bell, Houweling’s CMO. “We’re able to dispel a lot of myths about greenhouse growing and certainly inspire others to find a way to push the envelope when it comes to sustainability.”
For more information on Houwelings Tomatoes:
www.houwelings.com
facebook.com/houwelingstomatoes
twitter.com/houwelings_