Haven Greens has announced the commissioning of Canada’s first fully automated greenhouse. Located in King Township, Ontario, the company says it is launching a 5-acre facility with plans for a second phase that will expand to a full 10-acre operation.
Rooted in a 55-year family farming legacy, Haven Greens says it aims to revolutionize the way lettuce is grown and distributed, ensuring everyone has access to fresh, clean and long-lasting greens year-round. Founded by CEO Jay Willmot, Haven Greens has a mission to solve food insecurity, reduce reliance on imported produce and provide consistently fresh, high-quality greens to retailers and food service providers, according to a news release.
“Our advanced, pesticide-free, climate-controlled greenhouse is designed to set a new standard for efficiency, sustainability and taste, ensuring consistently fresh, high-quality greens year-round,” the company said in the release.
Haven Greens added the following:
- Locally grown, always fresh — By growing in the Greater Toronto Area, Haven Greens significantly reduces reliance on seasonal field lettuce crops, and being central to a North American hub allows for delivery across the Northeast and Midwest.
- Automated, touchless technology — The facility’s systems ensure clean, ready-to-eat lettuce — no washing required.
- Sustainability at its core — Targeting net-zero operations, the greenhouse minimizes environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
- Unmatched quality and taste — With a crisp texture and exceptional flavor, Haven Greens’ Baby Green Leaf, Baby Red and Green Leaf, and Baby Spring Mix offer superior salad experiences.
With year-round availability and daily harvesting, Haven Greens says it is providing a reliable, sustainable alternative to seasonal field lettuce, reducing food waste and offering a cost-efficient solution for grocers and foodservice operators.
“By bringing fully automated, climate-controlled greenhouse to Canada, we’re not only elevating quality but also ensuring a dependable, sustainable food source for our communities,” Willmot said in the release.
