When Erieview had an opportunity to buy the 4 hectare location from Enn's Plant Farms, the greenhouses were two separate blocks of about two hectares each. One of them measured a height of 5,25 meter under the gutter and the other one measured 4 meters under the gutter, which was too low for a commercial tomato crop.
At that time the engineers at TC van den Dool just finished raising a half hectare at Erieview's home farm. Hansen asked Van den Dool for a quote to see if it was interesting to raise that 4 meter greenhouse with 1,25 meter and connect the two blocks.
"And it happened to be very interesting", said Rob Hansen of Erieview. He explained that raising the existing poly greenhouse was significantly simple compared to raising their glass, 12 meter wide span, home farm where they grow organic mini cucumbers. "We started with the raising work on the first of September and completed the job in a little less than three weeks."
By raising the double poly greenhouse to 5,25, Hansen was able to connect the structure with the other 2 hectare greenhouse. "We raised it and placed extensions in between the posts. Next to this we also took out all of the control wiring too and got rid of all the old heating infrastructure. We are now installing new heating and grow pipes and hope to finish the job before February 15, when the new plants will arrive."
By completely raising, renovating and join the two blocks, Erieview has transformed two existing older greenhouses into a good as new greenhouse that will be a little over 4 hectares.
Hansen explained that this was far more interesting than building a completely new greenhouse. "There are plenty of greenhouses in this area that still have a big potential. They were built about 15 years ago and are built too short for high wire greenhouse production. It is very interesting to raise them these days. Especially the poly structures, which are relatively simple to raise compared to glass structures. "
When in full production, the new 4 hectare single site greenhouse will be used to grow organic tomatoes that will be marketed by Sunset Produce. This will bring Erieview Acres' production to a total of 7,5 hectare. The grower furthermore grows organic mini cucumbers at their 1 hectare home farm and 2,5 hectare of organic TOVs at their Pelee location.
For more information on Erieview Acres: www.erieviewacres.com
For more information on T.C. van den Dool greenhouse raising:
T.C. van den Dool B.V.
Vincent van den Dool
www.tcvddool.nl
v.dool@tcvddool.nl