NEW YORK — It was announced today that Martin Weijters, Senior Grower at Houweling's Tomatoes, is joining BrightFarms, Inc. as Vice President of Agriculture. BrightFarms finances, builds, and operates hydroponic greenhouses at supermarkets.
As of May 1, 2012, Weijters will oversee BrightFarms' current and future greenhouses. Weijters was immediately drawn to BrightFarms' innovative business model and bold vision for sustainable agriculture. By building greenhouses at supermarkets and distribution centers, BrightFarms reduces the costs—financial and environmental—associated with trucking produce across the country.
In 1996, Weijters immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands, where he studied and practiced horticulture and greenhouse management. For the past 16 years, Weijters has served as Senior Grower of Houweling's Tomatoes, a world renown and environmentally friendly greenhouse tomato grower with facilities in California and British Columbia. Weijters manages Houweling's 125 acre California facility and has been central to building the company's reputation as an industry leader in quality, quantity, and sustainability.
Weijters stated, "BrightFarms and I are both committed to growing produce that meets the highest standards for quality and environmental performance. I jumped at the chance to be a part of BrightFarms. I'm ready for a challenge and I like to think outside the box."
Paul Lightfoot, BrightFarms CEO, said, "I'm thrilled that Martin will be joining our team. He's an entrepreneurial, innovative, world-class grower. He grows to maximize yield and quality and minimize environmental impact, which is exactly what we are looking for."
About BrightFarms
BrightFarms grows local produce, nationwide. By financing, building, and operating greenhouse farms at or near grocery retailers, BrightFarms eliminates time, distance, and costs from the produce supply chain. BrightFarms local produce is fresher, more flavorful, and better for the environment, enabling grocers to change their produce supply chain in a way that improves the planet and their profits.
Source: BrightFarms, Inc.
