British Columbia’s greenhouse vegetable growers share the goal of all farmers: working to produce food in a sustainable way. Our growers promote stable and prosperous farm families and communities as well as environmental and agricultural stewardship.
Some fundamentals of our sustainability:
We produce a lot of food in a small amount of space
Our glass greenhouses use only 0.01 percent of B.C.’s total farmland to produce about 11 percent of all of B.C.’s total agriculture production value. Our growing methods mean we can produce 10 to 20 times the amount of vegetables as the same area of field.
As the world population grows, we’re here to help feed Canadians and others across the globe.
We use Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a system that supports a balanced approach to suppressing pests in an effective, economical and environmentally sound way. One way we control pests is through “good bugs fighting bad bugs.” British Columbia greenhouse growers are world leaders in IPM.
We use innovative water and heat conservation technology
Our plants are grown in soilless bags with drip irrigation. This method means water and nutrients stay in the bags and out of the ground water. Our growers also collect and use the Pacific Northwest’s vast supply of rainwater. We recycle and use our water over again. Our computerized systems ensure that our plants get only what’s needed – the proper amount of water and nutrition. Nothing more. We also use technology to conserve heat. Heat produced during carbon dioxide generation by our high efficiency boilers on hot days is stored for use during cool evenings.
We are part of Environmental Farm Planning
In 2004, we were one of the first agriculture organizations to participate in British Columbia’s Environmental Farm Planning Program sponsored by the federal and provincial governments. Thorough the program, our growers will develop Environmental Farm Plans, which identify possible environmental concerns on their land. The plan will enable growers to implement a broad range of management practices to mitigate those concerns.
We provide year round jobs and support community businesses
Because greenhouse growing has a long harvesting season, our growers are able to provide virtually year round, quality jobs. We take great care in providing a safe working environment. Our workers are trained in food safety and take pride in bringing fresh, healthy food to your table.
Greenhouse vegetable growing is a British Columbia agriculture success story. We support local as well as B.C.’s economy. Our growers live and work in their communities and are committed to making farming a profitable profession for generations to come.