State-of-the-Art Greenhouse Opens in Langton, Ontario
On June 27, EZ Grow Farms, a leading North American supplier of strawberry plant material, celebrated the grand opening of its new high-tech greenhouse. This 18.5-acre glass greenhouse is equipped with advanced systems to optimize strawberry propagation and complements the company’s existing 6.5-acre retractable roof greenhouse. “We are not even 6 months operational in this new glasshouse, but the window of opportunities it opens up is amazing,” said Dusty Zamecnik, general manager.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Originally founded in the 1930s by Ed Zamecnik, EZ Grow Farms has transformed from a small operation into a major player in the strawberry plant industry. Dusty Zamecnik, the founder’s grandson, highlighted the company’s remarkable growth from producing 100,000 plants to over 30 million annually. This investment in the new facility aligns with EZ Grow’s goals of enhancing flexibility in delivery timing and improving plant quality. “Our objective with this greenhouse is to provide ultimate flexibility in delivery timing, giving our customers the confidence in the plant quality they receive,” Dusty stated. The new facility enables EZ Grow Farms to supply young plants from June 1st to the end of October, meeting customer demand with advanced approaches.
Innovative Technologies and Industry Leadership
The 19-acre glass facility, constructed by South Essex Fabrication, features cutting-edge growing technologies. These include Growtec’s hoisting gutter system, Robur’s crop care platforms, and MJ-Tech’s high-pressure fogging system, collectively enhancing plant health and quality management. EZ Grow Farms is the first in North America to integrate these three technologies into a single facility and commit to 100% controlled environment supplies of young plants. Additionally, EZ Grow Farms has launched the Berry Verification Centre, named the Ed Zamecnik Berry Testing Center. This industry hub will further research the relationship with plants, global varieties & breeders, chemistry, and substrates, advancing North American berry production practices.
