While automation and efficiency are paramount in horticulture, the human touch – how a grower leads, motivates, and inspires their team – remains indispensable. Mona Nazari, Grodan Area Marketer for North America, writes about her exploration of the high-tech greenhouses and management philosophies of some of Grodan's Canadian customers.
Leamington, Ontario — known as the tomato capital of North America — is a place where the line between nature and innovation is beautifully blurred. "As I walked through the sprawling greenhouses, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for the growers who've mastered the art and science of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). In my 2.5 years with Grodan, I've been fortunate enough to meet some of the most passionate and forward-thinking individuals in the horticulture industry. This journey was not only about understanding the technology that powers these high-tech greenhouses but also about appreciating the unique management philosophies that truly drive success."
At Pinnacle Acres, the energy was palpable. Basketball courts, 'foosball' tables, and arcade games (Street Fighter and Pac-Man, the best!) punctuated the workday, making it clear that this was a place where play and work intersect in the best possible way. "In the staff break area, a mural depicting the Roman emperor Tiberius caught my eye. Adam, general manager and head grower, explained that Tiberius, who ruled from 14 AD to 37 AD, collected plants and is regarded as the first to grow crops in controlled environments. This connection between ancient innovation and modern technology struck a chord with me. It's a reminder that while we're always pushing forward, we're also standing on the shoulders of those who came before us."
Designed to grow together
Jason Mills at Ketler Farms offered another fascinating perspective. Jason has designed a mentorship model that allows junior growers to grow together as the business expands, with each expansion phase offering a chance for them to take the lead role in place of their mentor. This isn't just about passing on knowledge; it's about creating a succession plan that ensures the farm's future is in good hands. Jason's approach emphasizes the importance of developing not just horticultural skills, but also leadership and operational expertise. It's clear that at Ketler Farms, growth is as much about people as it is about plants.
Then there's Ryan Rutgers from Pure Flavor. Ryan, with his extensive and impressive executive tenure at a market-leading company, emphasized the importance of equipping his team with the right tools to succeed. "It's not just about having the latest technology," he said. "It's about ensuring that it's implemented and used effectively." His approach of ensuring everyone around him is proactively equipped to solve problems creates a high-performance culture – and I could see that the team was cultivating high-quality produce as a result.
Mona Nazari with two members of the Pure Flavor team
Walking through these high-tech greenhouses, I was reminded that while technology plays a crucial role in Controlled Environment Agriculture, it's the people — their philosophies, their management styles, their passion — that truly make the difference. It's their vision and leadership that bring these high-tech environments to life.
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