Vermillion Growers celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art greenhouse operations on July 27. Located in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, Vermillion Growers has started growing tomatoes on the vine year-round, providing local, fresh produce to supply dozens of local grocery stores and bridge the gap in food production in Central Canada. Vermillion will begin growing across 10 acres, with plans to expand to 70 acres. The operation has hired 30 new full-time employees and will eventually bring 200 jobs to the Manitoba community.
Vermillion Growers Ltd. is a Canadian-controlled private corporation that uses an innovative, fully-automated control system for growing vegetables under glass greenhouses.
Now the first phase of the Dauphin-area project has been completed, a 10-acre glass greenhouse that will grow vine tomatoes for distribution to central Canada with a total project budget of $32 million.
The company turned to Gakon-Netafim for its expertise in developing commercial greenhouse projects and implementing industry-leading technology. The roof structure on the greenhouse will collect enough water to meet 50% of the entire facility’s irrigation needs. Additionally, the double-screen system minimizes light pollution and reduces the overall energy used by 50%.
The double-screen technology is optimal for controlling the climate in the greenhouse and is essential for crop growth. The greenhouse is also equipped with vertical fans (HinovaFan) and VentilationJets, which are part of the ClimaFlow system, enabling the growers to keep their climate screens closed.
“The accumulated efficiencies to make sure the facility is financially sustainable is why Vermillion invested in Gakon Netafim solutions,” says Maria Deschauer, managing director of Vermillion Growers.
Homegrown Dauphin business
“We are pleased to welcome Vermillion Growers to Manitoba, which will contribute to our provincial economy in terms of jobs and gross domestic product and also reduce the need for imported vegetables in Canada,” said Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson at the opening. “Our government is committed to creating an environment for a competitive, sustainable, and adaptable agriculture and agri-food industry as a key economic driver in the province.”
The Manitoba government has supported the project through a number of tax incentives, including support through the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit Program and funding through the Manitoba Works Capital Incentive Program for up to $4.2 million as the project moves into its next phase.
“Vermillion Growers is a homegrown Dauphin business. The Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit Program provided community members with the opportunity to invest in a local company and receive a Manitoba tax credit equivalent to 45 percent of their investment. This Manitoba government program was essential to getting this business up and running,” said Maria.
The company also plans to add an additional 60 acres by 2025 to grow sweet peppers and cucumbers, for an expected output of more than 31 million kilograms of produce per year once both phases are fully operational.
Once both phases have been completed, Vermillion Growers is expected to become one of the largest employers in the Parkland region. Phase 1 will employ approximately 34 full-time staff. Upon the completion of Phase 2, Vermillion Growers anticipates employing approximately 210 full-time employees.
Vermillion Growers is looking to expand their team. Check out the job offers here.
Gakon Netafim Greenhouse Projects
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