Construction is well underway at a Wheatley-area greenhouse operation, which will have more than double its existing acreage upon completion.
Hacienda North Farms, which grows bell peppers, will be adding 36 acres to its 34-acre farm along Coatsworth Road near Talbot Trail. General manager Johnny Braun said the new area should be running by January.
“Definitely, the demand is there,” he said. “The companies we’re selling to, they’re asking for another 50 acres, which is impossible for us, but that’s what they’re asking for.”
The company, which is run by Braun’s family, had the first 17 acres built in 2014 and then added another 17 acres in 2016.
Braun said they plan to continue to focus on bell peppers at this farm. He said it’s more efficient to stay on one packing line, and they would likely have to start over on a new farm to grow another commodity.