May 2024 - 59

BIG GROWER
He also shares that in areas
of sustainability, there are many
benefits of greenhouse-grown
produce and its ability to reduce
food waste overall.
" In the greenhouse, the fruit
defects are noticed early and
pruned during crop maintenance,
avoiding the wastage of valuable
resources such as water and
fertilizer and conserving energy
overall, " he said.
Packaging materials have
also been of focus; the company
has invested in new material
technologies such as washable
labels that avoid contamination
of the PET (polyethylene
terephthalate) recycle stream.
This has included increasing
PCR (post-consumer recycled)
levels in its PET containers,
transitioning from nonrecyclable
materials to recyclable materials
on cucumber trays and different
produce bags. The team also
invested in compostable PLU's
for the organic produce.
OVERCOMING
CHALLENGES
The last five years have been
challenging for the produce
industry, as growers navigated
the increased demands and
disease control.
" It has been difficult to
navigate the ongoing efforts
to irradiate the virus from our
operations and the slow and
methodical pace of the solutionsbased
mindset of our seed
breeder partners, growers and
crop care workers, " DiMenna
said. " These challenges - and,
most importantly, the patience
of the retail, wholesale and food
service trades - have required
transparency in communications
as growers work with the
characteristics of the new, virusresistant
seed varieties. "
Additionally, the greenhouse
industry has experienced a
multitude of environmental
factors such as fire, floods and
low light levels.
" Operational costs, such as
energy and labor are always
being assessed, " DiMenna
said. " Efficiently managing
operational, energy and labor
costs is the cornerstone of
sustainable business growth
and success. "
LOOKING AHEAD
DiMenna firmly believes
that the greenhouse industry,
alongside all controlled
agriculture, is pivotal for the
future. Red Sun Farms and
its leadership team remains
steadfast in its commitment
to innovation, operational
excellence and flavor
enhancement; recognizing these
as essential pillars for success.
" Customers seek an
outstanding culinary journey,
one that captivates their senses
and visual appeal, " DiMenna said.
" Hence, we explore worldwide
for novel tomato, cucumber and
pepper varieties, aiming to gratify
our customers with a complete
sensory experience. "
Upon final reflection, he
adds one more point - the
greenhouse industry is poised for
sustained growth and prosperity
in the coming years. DiMenna
urges the younger generations
to explore the origins of their
food and consider the promising
opportunities within the
greenhouse-grown market.
A graduate of the University of
Miami, Keith Loria is an awardwinning
journalist who has been
writing for almost 20 years. View
his recent writing at keithloria.
contently.com.
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MAY 2024 BIG GROWER 59
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May 2024

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