Certified Greenhouse Farmers expands and welcomes Mexican members
“We have always viewed ourselves as an association representing North America, so expansion to include Mexican producers was inevitable,” says Ed Beckman, CGF president. “Our association’s goal is differentiation of the greenhouse vegetable category based upon common production standards. By adding Mexican producers as members, we expand our reach and can speak with a more unified voice on behalf of the greenhouse industry.”
“This certification is an important step that distinguishes us from other tomato growers, as this certification guarantees the highest standards of tomato production, the same we follow in this company,” said greenhouse grower Jr. Sedrach Camacho Zamorano of Finca Ahuehuetes, S.A. de C.V., a company dedicated to growing tomatoes under high-tech greenhouses inside Queretaro’s Agropark.
To become a member of CGF, producers must meet the strict definition for controlled-environment greenhouses as well as undergo a rigorous, third-party audit against the association’s standards. These standards include structural and environmental controls, food safety, water resource management, integrated pest management procedures, ecosystem management and integrated waste management. After passing the certification audit, members can place a CGF seal on their products and packaging.
“The investment that these controlled environment greenhouse growers must make requires them to differentiate their production systems and that means coming together, speaking with a unified voice and joining with other producers who share their vision. Now, with Mexican producers joining their American and Canadian colleagues in CGF, we can protect and advance the integrity of the greenhouse growing process more effectively,” says Beckman.
“It is a great achievement to be recognized with the Certified Greenhouse Farmers certification,” stated Julia Soto Herrera, coordinator with Finca’s certification and training department. “This identifies us as high-quality tomato growers, showing that we work under the strictest growing standards, ensuring our clients the quality of our products and getting better prices.”
Beckman says he expects CGF Mexican membership to continue to grow as a number of greenhouse growers producing tomatoes and peppers are currently going through the stringent certification process. Altogether, CGF expects to add over 200 acres to its membership through expansion in Mexico by the end of this year.
For more information: www.certifiedgreenhouse.com