By Matt Nemeth

Redcliff greenhouse expands to provide more vegetables year-round

Jan 7, 2017 | 8:00 AM

REDCLIFF, AB — A greenhouse in Redcliff has expanded its capabilities to ensure Albertans have access to locally-grown produce all-year round.

Big Marble Farms, which operates in the “Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies,” has expanded its operation by 20 acres to allow it to grow tomatoes in the winter and provide it to grocery stores across the province.

The greenhouse began providing two types of tomatoes to Sobeys and Safeway early in December, after expanding their greenhouse operation by 20 acres. Ryan Cramer, CEO of Big Marble Farms, says their tomatoes reach as far north as Fort McMurray, and so far the feedback has been very positive.

Cramer says the alternative to locally-grown vegetables are vegetables grown in warmer climates this season, which may not be as fresh by the time it gets to your refridgerator.

“The alternative to Alberta grown vegetables is Mexican grown, Spanish grown, or even the United States,” he said. “Which means it has to sit on a truck for five days before it even gets here, so it’s (our tomatoes) fresher, it tastes better. You can taste the difference in our product.”

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According to Cramer, the reason why Big Marble Farms can now grow tomatoes year round is the high-pressure sodium lights they’ve installed. In addition to expanding the greenhouse, a 65,000 square foot packing facility is also being built. Cramer says the greenhouse is currently growing other varieties of tomatoes that they one day hope to produce on a larger scale, so customers have even more made in Alberta options during the winter.

“There is plans to expand another 20 acres someday,” he said. “We’ve got provisions for it, the infrastructure is there with this recent expansion.”

Cramer says they’ll wait to see what kind of reception they get with the current tomatoes hitting the market before producing other varieties. But he says being able to now provide Albertans with another locally grown product in the winter, means a great deal to him.

“I’m very proud of it,” he said. “It’s a real passion for me to be a part of this industry first of all, but then very rewarding for me, especially to see the Big Marble Farms logo in Sobeys and Safeway, and to know that’s my product.”