AMADO, ARIZ. — Wholesum announces their greenhouse expansion, adding six acres of 100% organic tomato production to the existing 18-acre facility. The new greenhouse will hold the latest technology for innovative and sustainable production, which is at the core of Wholesum’s social and environmental commitments. The expansion will also bolster their commitment to Fair Trade and the worker communities they support.
With the first harvest anticipated in November of 2019, the new greenhouse will bring a projected 3.5 million additional pounds of US organic tomato on the and beefsteak to market per year. Following the expansion, 100% of Wholesum’s beefsteak will be US grown, meeting consumer demand for US tomatoes.
The Crisantes family, owners of Wholesum, opted for an Ultra-Clima concept greenhouse. The system comes with an efficient heating and cooling system allowing total control of climate conditions for optimal plant photosynthesis, along with energy efficient fans and the infrastructure to recirculate irrigation water. An advanced air pressure system also aids with food safety and pest control. The implementation of a brand new full-vision system with infrared sensors to monitor plant growth will also provide deep insight into the conditions where organic varieties thrive.
“This expansion is very exciting for us at Wholesum. It keeps with our vision of creating an impact in the organic food industry through sustainable business model that cares about its workers,” states Ricardo Crisantes, Chief Commercial Officer of Wholesum. The new greenhouse will add 25 openings of year-round employment to the farm. These employees will also benefit from community development funds generated from the sales of the Fair Trade Certified produce. “We focus on social and environmental responsibility in every aspect of our operations and this greenhouse is a reflection of those efforts.”
This expansion concludes Phase II of Wholesum’s multi-phased growth strategy. The first phase of construction of Wholesum Farms Arizona began in 2011 as a 12 acre facility housing organic beefsteak and TOV, bringing 60 jobs to the Santa Cruz County. The first part of Phase II construction took place in 2014, leaving the facility as an 18 acre operation with the second part of construction set to continue in the summer of 2019. Third and fourth construction phases are in the works for the future.
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About Wholesum:
Wholesum, third generation family-owned and operated farms based in Southern Arizona are growers and distributors of Fair Trade, organic produce. With over 90 years of farming experience, Wholesum has been dedicated to continuous improvement along the supply chain through responsible sourcing, twenty plus years of organic growing, equitable labor practices and environmental protection. They are also pioneering in the fair trade movement as the first Fair Trade Certified farm in the US and partner with organic growers with the same mission and commitment. Through a combination of greenhouse and open field production, Wholesum provides a year-round supply of high quality organic vegetables and berries. More information is available at www.wh.farm.
