MightyVine Phase 2 contract signing witnessed by Royal Couple

MightyVine Tomatoes, VB Greenhouses and Royal Pride Group have signed a new agreement to provide locally grown, high quality tomatoes for the Chicago market. The 7.5 acre state-of-the-art greenhouse, currently nearing completion in Rochelle IL, will be the most modern greenhouse built to date in the US. It is designed according to the latest industry standards and equipped with the most recent greenhouse technology to achieve the best growing results year round.

While visiting Chicago with a Dutch delegation, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands witnessed the signing ceremony among the partners, celebrating the economic ties between the Netherlands and Illinois and supporting the exchange of ideas in the area of horticulture. The Royal Couple was in Chicago on June 3rd to attend a conference, “Sowing Seeds of Innovation to Feed Cities Healthier Food,” at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy. At the conference, experts exchanged ideas and shared expertise on innovations in urban and local food production, marketing, and supply chains to keep people healthy and feed the world as the population grows.

In the first phase greenhouse, MightyVine will grow approximately 100,000 lbs. of fresh tomatoes every week. The partners have decided to expand in 2016 with another 7.5 acres, doubling production. When fully completed, the greenhouse will cover 30 or more acres, serving Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and other parts of the Midwest. The first phase has been built with the complete infrastructure installed to accommodate such growth.

It is the mission of MightyVine Tomatoes to grow great-tasting tomatoes year round for the local market. In order to achieve this goal, they have partnered with the best in the industry – Dutch greenhouse builders and growers. The Netherlands leads the world in greenhouse technology, innovation and operation. MightyVine’s Dutch partners include Royal Pride Holland, VB Greenhouses, Havecon, PB Techniek and Priva. These companies have developed innovative techniques and expertise in sustainable (greenhouse) horticulture, agricultural research and development, and food processing. The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agricultural products in the world, behind only the US.

Currently 90% of the tomatoes on the Chicago market are imported from thousands of miles away – California, Mexico, and Florida. MightyVine Tomatoes will be locally grown, minimizing transport time and maximizing flavor – picked today and on your plate tomorrow!