| | There is a lot happening in Alberta's greenhouse crop industry and several plans for expansion and growth for the future.
"The Alberta greenhouse industry is the fourth largest in Canada, contributing approximately $140 million in revenue, employing over 3,000 people and, in spite of energy related issues, is showing diversified growth," says Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza, greenhouse industry development specialist, processed foods branch, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Edmonton. "The vegetable sector has shown great leadership in expansion and diversification of products, and the bedding plant sector is not far behind."
Recent advances in the industry include a new four-acre bedding plant greenhouse built in southern Alberta as part of a better business strategy for a B.C. greenhouse, and there is talk of another similar venture coming to the province.
"Every year there are adjustments in production based on market demands," says Mirza. "During the 2006 season, production acreage for peppers increased from 12 to 16 acres, acreage for beefsteak tomatoes decreased to 10 acres, tomatoes on the vine (TOV) increased to 20 acres, and cucumbers remained steady at 57 acres."
It is possible that next year more growers will be growing cucumbers due to poor price of tomatoes. Also, one of the Alberta growers is planning to grow a cucumber crop through winter under artificial light to capture a market when prices are higher. Traditionally Alberta growers don't supply the market until February.
"The growth and diversification of the greenhouse industry are a result of new and innovative approaches that growers are adopting in response to energy-related pressure, and of growers' efforts to increase productivity," says Mirza.
Some of the positive results Alberta growers are realizing:
- One Alberta tomato grower has increased productivity by six kilograms per square metre compared to his 2005 season because he focused on carbon dioxide enrichment and adjusted his watering practices.
- An Alberta grower increased his cucumber yield by 20 cucumbers per square metre compared to last year because he is now growing cucumbers on a high wire system.
- In the bedding plants sector, one plug supplier is investing in an expansion valued at over $150,000 in direct response to customer needs for more pre-finished plants as a result of higher energy costs.
- To save on energy costs, many bedding plant growers are buying more plugs instead of starting their greenhouses early in the season.
- An organic farmer invested over $100,000 in a specialized greenhouse with special glazing material to meet the regulations of public coming in the greenhouse.
- One vegetable packer is planning a significant food safety compliant expansion to handle organic produce. This packer is positioning their business to take advantage of market trends and consumer demands.
"A recent editorial in a national magazine Greenhouse Canada, noted how the integrated approach by the industry, the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association, the Green Industry Conference and government is helping competitively position the industry," says Mirza. "The free flow of information within the industry is a significant bonus that all growers can take advantage of. This same editorial sited research investment at the Crop Diversification Centre South in Brooks as a factor that will pay significant dividends to growers in the province and across Canada."
Alberta has a dedicated team of people devoted to working with the industry at all levels of business and operation, and that contributes to success of the greenhouse industry in the province.
Contact: Mohyuddin Mirza, Ph.D. P.Ag. (780) 415-2303 |
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