How Orbia’s Precision Agriculture Business is supporting Vermillion Growers’ efforts to improve community access to year-round fresh produce

On July 27, Vermillion Growers hosted the grand opening of its new greenhouse facility featuring Orbia Precision Agriculture solutions. Vermillion Growers is the first large-scale vegetable greenhouse in Manitoba, Canada, an area that imports more than 75% of its vegetables. The opening marks a huge milestone for Vermillion Growers, Orbia, and the local community. Growing fresh tomatoes on the vine means less imports, fresh produce, and higher quality tomatoes.

Fresh tomatoes are a rare find in Canada since the country imports 90% of its supply. Vermillion Growers’ locally-grown, fresh produce will be available in dozens of local grocery stores within 24 hours of harvest. The greenhouse facility is helping bridge the gap in food production by providing fresh produce all year round, addressing a critical need in Central Canada. Additionally, with plans to expand from an initial 10 acres to 70 acres and more crops, Vermillion is creating up to 200 jobs. Vermillion Growers is a great example of how Orbia Precision Agricultures supports sustainable agriculture and healthy communities.

Our greenhouse solutions mitigate some of the largest challenges encountered in open-field agriculture: weather and pests. Growing crops indoors significantly reduces these impacts and guarantees consistency in the quality and flavor of produce.

Protected agriculture makes it possible, and profitable, to meet consumers' preferences for local produce that is grown sustainably. Vermillion Growers’ facility’s features an innovative roof structure that will collect rainwater sufficient for 50% of the entire operations’ irrigation needs. Additionally, it utilizes technology that mitigates light pollution and reduces energy usage by 50%. This technology is optimal for climate control and critical to crop growth.

Building a sustainable agriculture system also results in less food waste. Instead of importing large quantities of produce that must endure shipping and delivery variability, Vermillion’s produce will be sold locally. Now, by shopping local, consumers get high quality produce and food distributors reduce shipping and delivery costs.

Our partnership with Vermillion Growers is an exciting part of our Greenhouse Business and I’m excited for what comes next. All of us at Orbia are proud to play a role in positively impacting the entire community of Manitoba.