With a big drive towards sustainability, Greenswell Growers, a fully automated greenhouse operation located just outside Richmond, Virginia, stands at the forefront of reducing its waste in the form of composting. Specializing in baby leaf greens, the company, under the leadership of CEO Carl Gupton, is committed to innovative recycling practices that benefit both the environment and production.
The fresher the better
Greenswell Growers aims to provide fresh produce directly to consumers with minimal environmental impact. Their greenhouse allows for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), where every aspect of the growing process is optimized for efficiency.
As Carl explains, "It is as controlled as you can have in the controlled environment agricultural space." This approach not only guarantees freshness but also allows the company to supply continuous produce to a broad regional market, covering Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., with a focus on local retail partners in those states.
Carl Gupton, CEO of Greenswell Growers
Compost revolution
Central to Greenswell Growers' operations is their thorough composting program. After harvesting, the by-products of the greens are not discarded. Instead, they are either composted on-site or sent to a local composter called N.O.P.E. Carl emphasizes, "We're able to really repurpose it back to farms and needs or different agricultural uses for our product."
N.O.P.E. also used some of the compost generated to support local programs fighting food insecurity among others. The compost produced is particularly valuable; it breaks down quickly, making it easy to reintegrate into agricultural practices. However, due to the nutrient depletion that occurs during the growing process, the compost is low in nitrogen. To counter this, it is blended with other materials to enhance its effectiveness, ensuring that it meets the nutrient needs of the soil.
Supporting local agriculture
Greenswell Growers' composting initiatives are not only good for their operations; they also contribute to the broader agricultural ecosystem in Virginia. The support from Virginia's government has been instrumental in providing resources and advocacy for composting and CEA practices.
Carl notes, "We're trying to be smarter here in the U.S. with our by-products." This mindset reflects a broader trend in the agricultural sector, where farmers and businesses recognize the value of turning waste into resources. As more organizations adopt similar practices, the potential for improving soil health and reducing environmental impact expands significantly.
Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities
While composting and CEA offer numerous benefits, they also present challenges. One significant concern is energy consumption, particularly during winter months when natural sunlight is limited. This leads to increased operational costs due to the reliance on supplemental lighting. Greenswell Growers addresses this by using as much natural light as possible and working closely with their energy provider, Dominion Power, to optimize energy usage throughout the year.
Greenswell Growers are continually exploring research and development opportunities to expand their product offerings, ensuring they stay ahead of market demands and trends. The facility spans 80,000 square feet, allowing for significant production capacity and ongoing composting innovations.
For more information:
Greenswell Growers
www.greenswellgrowers.com
Carl Gupton
Email: [email protected]
NOPE Compost Co
www.nopeva.com