Wholesum, Fair Trade certified growers and shippers of organic fresh produce, cut the ribbon on their new organic tomato greenhouses in Sonora, MX. The ceremony took place on December 9 in Imuris, Sonora, Mexico, and was attended by company associates, suppliers and industry partners. The theme of the event was ‘A Bountiful Harvest’, highlighting the company’s growing offerings for customers, growing variety for consumers, abundant opportunities for workers and growing impact on the community.
“To deliver on our promise of fresh, tasty and responsibly grown produce, we have added 12 acres of all-glass greenhouses to the existing 50-acre operation. The new greenhouses feature the latest technology for sustainable production, which is at the core of our social and environmental commitments The infrastructure maximizes the use of natural resources with irrigation and filtration systems that allow the recirculation of irrigation water, a climate control system with low consumption fans and an advanced air pressure system that also helps with food safety and pest control. Together, the greenhouses are equipped to create the optimal growing conditions for organic tomatoes,” says Ricardo Crisantes, commercial director and third-generation co-owner.
“We are seeing the consumer landscape shift in favor of value-driven businesses and we are experiencing growing demand for responsibly-grown organic products,” he continues, “and with this addition, we are confident that Wholesum is positioned to deliver. . ”
With staggered planting schedules, the first harvest of organic tomatoes on the vine from the new facilities took place at the beginning of November. A second influx of new products will take place in mid-January 2022, bringing more specialty varieties, including high-flavor organic cherry tomatoes. Together, the new greenhouses will bring in a projected additional 6.5 million pounds of organic tomatoes next year to meet growing consumer demand.
In addition to more produce, the new greenhouses will add 60 year-round job openings to the farm. These employees will also benefit from Community Development Funds generated from sales of Fair Trade Certified Wholesum products. Since the inception of the fair trade program, Wholesum has raised more than $6 million in Fair Trade Community Development Funds that are used for projects that help build community infrastructure and improve access to education, housing, nutrition and health services.
Wholesum is a third generation family farming operation with farms in Arizona and Mexico. In speeches during the ceremony, company owners reflected on Wholesum’s history and the importance of this expansion: “The farms here have played an integral role in living out our purpose of nurturing a healthy world and providing consumers fresh organic products. that is cultivated in the correct way”, affirmed Ricardo. “Sonora gave us the opportunity to develop this company from seasonal harvests to harvests 12 months a year. It gave us wonderful weather, beautiful sunlight and exceptional people who have become part of our team.”
Theojary Crisantes Sr., Chairman of the Board and second-generation owner, also spoke proudly at the event: “This expansion is in keeping with our initial vision of making an impact in the organic food industry,” he stated. He then thanked the associates who worked hard and contributed to the project, stating that it is “the result of the wonderful Wholesum workforce who subscribe to and live the Wholesum values, so that we can bring ‘A Plentiful Harvest’ to fruition.”
A video titled ‘A Third Generation Contribution’ that was played at the event is available here.
For more information:
Total amount
marketing@wh.farm
www.wh.farm