Growers can remotely access their greenhouse tomatoes
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
Leamington, Ontario’s NatureFresh Farms recently introduced a new program to promote consistency in the tomatoes produced in its greenhouses.
The OntarioRed Tomato Program consists of tomatoes on the vine, red beefsteak and Roma tomatoes. Producers can practice advanced traceability, including remotely adjusting aspects of the growing environment such as temperature and irrigation. Who, where and when the tomatoes were packed can also be documented.
“Consistency is key,” Issac Braun, an OntarioRed grower, said in a video about the program. “It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer or fall. Trust is built on the best quality (we) grow, regardless of the season.”
NatureFresh launched the OntarioRed program on the heels of the OhioRed program. Like the OhioRed program, tomatoes can be picked and packed within 24 hours, which can reduce the amount of imports needed to fulfill demand.
“When it comes to quality and flavour, we are making huge strides in the market with our TOMZ and OhioRed Program,” Peter Quiring, NatureFresh president, said in a May 5 release.
“With our greenhouse grown tomatoes from Leamington, we needed to take the same approach with our new OntarioRed Program.”
NatureFresh’s OntarioRed program helps support Foodland Ontario.
“Foodland Ontario is an important promotional program that recognizes locally grown vegetables,” Chris Veillon, director of marketing, said in the release. “As a trusted fresh produce brand, growers like NatureFresh Farms can benefit from participating in Foodland Ontario programs that promote-Ontario grown tomatoes.”
Farms.com has reached out to NatureFresh Farms for more information on the program.