As the appetite for organic produce continues to surge across North America, Ontario’s Greenbelt Organic Greens is stepping up to meet this demand with a unique offering. “We are the only certified organic controlled environment agriculture (CEA) grower in Ontario at this scale,” says Ian Adamson, co-founder of Greenbelt Organic Greens alongside Steve Bamford of Fresh Advancements. This distinction is particularly significant given that hydroponic systems, common among competitors, do not meet Canada’s organic certification standards.
Three years ago, Greenbelt Organic Greens began shipping a variety of organic greens, including arugula, kale, and spring mix, from its 3.5-acre facility in Lynden, Ontario. This past January, the grower introduced organic baby romaine lettuce, which is expected to be fully available throughout Ontario by the fall. “We had to get it into production to see what the volumes look like and it’s been quite successful for us,” notes Adamson. While Greenbelt Organic Greens also caters to foodservice, the majority of its products are destined for retail markets.|
A standout feature of Greenbelt Organic Greens is its innovative approach to crop regrowth. By leveraging a rotating Dutch table system, the company has effectively increased its greenhouse capacity by 50%. “While the table system is actually the most common plant moving system in the greenhouse sector worldwide, we’ve developed a way to grow on that table system like mini farm fields,” Adamson explains. This indoor growing system, supplemented by LED lights, ensures consistent production volumes, a notable advantage over field-grown greens which are susceptible to weather fluctuations.
Adamson highlights the ongoing challenge consumers face in finding high-quality organic products in the produce aisle. “The biggest challenge for most consumers is finding quality organic products in the produce aisle. Some companies have a better focus on it than others,” he says. With the organic sector growing and demand consistently rising, Greenbelt Organic Greens is well-positioned to fulfill this need.
The introduction of organic baby romaine and the company’s ability to provide steady volumes year-round underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability. As Greenbelt Organic Greens considers expanding its distribution into Quebec, its reputation for quality and reliability continues to grow, promising a bright future for organic produce in the region.
