Village Farms Fresh, a subsidiary of Village Farms International, is marking its 35th anniversary of growing produce in North America this year.
The company’s more than 500 acres span from Mexico to British Columbia to Texas, according to a news release. Village Farms Fresh, which was founded in 1989, says it now spans more than 1,500 employees. It was recognized as an outstanding employer by Options Community Service this year.
Village Farms Fresh said Dirk de Jong and Arie van der Giessen, who immigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S., were instrumental in the establishment of its British Columbia and Texas greenhouses, the company says.
De Jong serves as the company’s vice president and regional facilty manager in British Columbia. Van der Giessen serves as vice president and regional facility manager for Village Farms Fresh’s Marta and Fort Davis, Texas, facilities. Both de Jong and van der Giessen say they enjoy working in the greenhouse-grown produce industry, according to the release.
Both have also had a firsthand view of how the controlled environment agriculture has evolved over time.
“Back in the early days, we did not have the convenience of the automation we have today in greenhouse growing, and this has evolved tremendously, creating efficiencies in labor, plant health and food safety,” van der Giessen said.
The company notes one of its major innovations is Crop Controller by Blue Radix, which helps control the greenhouse environment’s temperature, humidity and light to maximize plant health and yield while minimizing resources.
Village Farms Fresh said its innovation also includes sustainable practices such as water recycling and integrated pest management. Walmart recently recognized Village Farms Fresh as ‘Giga Guru’ by Project Gigatron.
