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Greenhouse producer harvests first crop of winter peppers in Canada

The first crop of winter-produced Canadian greenhouse peppers, grown under LED lighting, has been harvested.

Located in Kingsville, Ont., family-owned greenhouse Allegro Acres seeded red, yellow and orange commercial-grade peppers last Oct. and harvested in Dec. before shipping to grocery stores.

The peppers were grown under smart LED lighting supplied by Sollum Technologies in Montréal, Que.

“Sollum’s smart LED technology has been very reassuring and comforting throughout the process because we know that every day, when we wake up, we can now control everything that’s going on in our greenhouse,” says Gene Ingratta, president of Allegro Acres. “We don’t have to worry if the sun is going to come out or not. It’s now sunny every day, and we can adjust the greenhouses’ lighting in real-time as climate conditions change during the day.”

This commercial trial is the result of a strategic partnership, in collaboration with Harrow Research and Development Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and with the support of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

“The results of this initiative are an excellent example of cleantech innovation and its application in sustainable agricultural practices and the creation of local and ethical economies,” notes Leah Lawrence, SDTC president and CEO. “SDTC is proud to invest in a company like Sollum, using innovative technologies to advance local food sustainability.”

Sollum Technologies’ President and CEO, Louis Brun, agrees that the results at Allegro Acres bode well for the future of local food production in greenhouses around the world. “This Canadian first with Allegro Acres is great milestone for the greenhouse industry and confirms the commercial potential of our smart LED solution,” he sys. “Harvesting high-quality greenhouse peppers in winter and on such a large scale is a stepping-stone on which we can build to develop additional light recipes for increasingly diverse crops.”

The peppers are marketed under Red Sun Farms. Photo credit: RedSun Farms

The peppers are marketed and sold under Red Sun Farms. “This successful crop will grab the attention of consumers looking for sustainable produce grown locally all year-round. It is a winning proposition for the entire food chain as it contributes to food autonomy and local economies, thanks to diversified and sustainable crops cultivated in greenhouses,” says Leona Neill, director of marketing and packaging at Red Sun Farms.

“As consumers around the world continue to seek more environmentally friendly and sustainable products, Canadian entrepreneurs like Sollum Technologies are stepping up to find intelligent new solutions that improve our quality of life and even the food we eat,” says the François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry. “Our government is committed to ensuring that Canadian cleantech start-ups have the support and conditions to become world leaders so that people everywhere can benefit from the most innovative ‘made in Canada’ technologies.”

This crop is reportedly the first of many, as Allegro Acres will continue to harvest peppers during the current winter period.

Source: Sollum Technologies