“We took the best from everywhere,” said Jajati, in reference to the suppliers he chose for building and running his operation. “We have Israeli drippers and hoses, Dutch automation and packing and a French greenhouse.” Through his decision process, he always kept in mind something he learned while studying at ASU: technology may cost more upfront, but it's well worth it in the long run.
“I believe that, with technology, although it's a bigger investment, it turns out to be more productive,” explained Jajati. “We get better quality of product, we have year-round production, so at the end of the day it was a lot better to go high-tech.” That meant opting for a 6 hectare polycarbonate greenhouse with a 6 meters high double layered insulated sealing and butterfly ventilation windows. The crops are growing on suspended gutters in coco peat substrate with rockwool plant pots. The greenhouse uses a boiler system for heating and is capable to extract usable CO2 from the exhaust system. The climate and irrigation units are controlled with the latest automation software to grow the crop in optimal conditions. But when choosing between automation software options, Sunny Fields also took into account the unique challenges that Mexican growers face.
“We were looking for someone who could provide good after-sales service,” said Jajati. “Regarding the choice for the climate computer, we wanted to be secure. A lot of companies don't have a big presence in Mexico, but we found that Hoogendoorn did.” He noted that they got frequent visits and phone calls from reps asking if things were going well, and whenever issues came up, the response was prompt and helpful. So far, that decision has been a good one, as Jajati reported that yields, for a first crop, are good, and prices received have been strong.
Sunny Fields implemented a Hoogendoorn iSii proces computer to control their greenhouse climate
and irrigation. "The Mexican greenhouse employees that are in charge of the growth management are very pleased with the low-entry level of the iSii interface," said Jajati. "All the settings and data are available in a multi-languaged user interface that is in available in acomplete Spanish-languaged setting as well.. So for the crop managers it realy helpfull to come along, whatever language they are speaking. They think it is a very helpfull user friendly interface."“Everything is very good, I believe,” said Jajati. “Right now we're producing 1.7 kilograms per square meter (Monsanto’s 7513 vine tomatoes) and the market has been treating us very well.” The good relationship he's had with his suppliers has played an important role in those positive outcomes, and he hopes he can continue in that manner for many years to come.
“We have had a lot of support,” acknowledge Jajati. “From the construction stage to the operational stage, we've had a lot of support from our suppliers, so we're looking forward to long relationships with all of them.” Sunny Fields will again rely on these good relationships soon. “The next project is coming up”, said Jajati. “We will expand our greenhouse operations with another 6,5 hectare this year. We are looking forward to another good co-operation with these suppliers.”
For more information: Sunny Fields
Jacques Jajati
Hoogendoorn Growth Management
Juan Gonzalez