Fresh, Local Is Key to Selling Tomatoes in Prince Edward Island

摘要

VanKampen's history in greenhouse tomato production dates back to the 1950s in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, when 58 Allen Street was barren of any other commercial property. Today, this two-acre greenhouse operation is right in the midst of one of the busiest streets in the province's capital city. A major supermarket chain is across the street, and on the other corner is an outlet for a major drug store chain. Both bring a lot of traffic to the downtown core. This all bodes well for a greenhouse that has positioned itself for competition in the 21st century. With one acre of hydroponically grown tomatoes and one acre devoted to the gardening sector, sibling owners Charlie and Bill VanKampen are able to offer fresh, local tomatoes as early as May 1. Both likely learned how to walk in a greenhouse setting.