Leciel Greenhouse Vegetables, a family-owned leader in sustainable farming, has reached an impressive milestone of 1 million square feet of greenhouse production. Their latest project—a 65,000-square-foot, gutter-connected Luminosa greenhouse in collaboration with Harnois Greenhouses—underscores the potential of plastic greenhouse technology in modern agriculture.
The company operates across three sites in Quebec, cultivating six crop types and 20 varieties, including radishes. This milestone represents not only Leciel’s expansion but also the growing importance of controlled-environment agriculture in meeting the demand for local, high-quality produce.
Advantages of the Gutter-Connected Luminosa Greenhouse
The Luminosa greenhouse, developed by Harnois Greenhouses, offers innovative features that enhance productivity and sustainability:
- Optimized Climate Control: The structure ensures consistent growing conditions, supporting year-round cultivation.
- Reduced Pesticide Use: Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that minimizes pest infestations, reducing dependency on chemical pesticides.
- Energy Efficiency: Luminosa greenhouses are designed for maximum light penetration and thermal insulation, cutting energy costs.
Corenthin Félix-Chassouant, VP of Sales at Harnois Greenhouses, emphasized the collaboration’s shared values:
“It is an immense privilege to work with Leciel, a company committed to local agriculture and sustainability. Together, we’re pushing boundaries in greenhouse technology.”
Environmental and Economic Impact
Leciel’s greenhouse model aligns with global goals for reducing carbon footprints in agriculture. By growing crops locally within Quebec, the company minimizes transportation emissions and ensures fresh produce reaches consumers faster.
Key benefits of Leciel’s greenhouse farming include:
- Carbon Reduction: By producing food locally, Leciel avoids the emissions associated with importing produce from distant regions.
- Water Efficiency: Greenhouses use water-saving irrigation systems, reducing waste compared to traditional open-field farming.
- Job Creation: With three sites in operation, Leciel supports local economies through employment opportunities and partnerships.
Additionally, greenhouse farming enables Leciel to adapt to Quebec’s challenging climate, ensuring steady production regardless of seasonal weather patterns.
Looking Ahead
Leciel’s achievement is a testament to the potential of greenhouse technology to revolutionize agriculture. Co-owner Steve Bertrand highlighted the significance of their approach:
“Greenhouse cultivation has allowed us to reduce pesticide use, lower our carbon footprint, and offer year-round, high-quality local produce to Quebecers. This model shows that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.”
As Leciel continues to innovate, their collaboration with Harnois Greenhouses demonstrates the value of partnerships in advancing agricultural technology and meeting growing consumer demand for sustainable food.
Leciel Greenhouse Vegetables’ expansion to 1 million square feet of production exemplifies how controlled-environment agriculture can address critical challenges in food security, sustainability, and climate resilience. By leveraging advanced greenhouse designs and local partnerships, Leciel is setting a benchmark for eco-conscious farming while delivering fresh produce to the community year-round.
