Prime Fresh Produce

Prime Fresh Produce believes that the future lies in locally grown and sold produce, limiting the road miles applied to today's food supplies. The main development will be that smaller niche, locally based growers selling to supermarkets, farmers markets and wholesale operations as well as the consumer direct. This method of growing our food is a more sustainable model than those currently practiced. Today's consumer has become increasingly aware of health and environmental issues, even water consumption and availability; these are all drivers for the further development of hydroponic growing techniques. A hydroponically grown greenhouse plant: Can be protected from increasing and damaging UV radiation Offers the possibility of safe biological control of insect pests and diseases Uses water that is reclaimed and reused Allows nutrients to be reclaimed, re-balanced and re-used Can be protected from unpredictable weather patterns Has a good root system that is at reduced risk from contaminants and diseases Makes very efficient use of labour, which is increasingly expensive in western economies Can be grown to take full advantage of their genetic potential and produce outstanding crops by using optimum nutrient formulations Can be producing at times when market prices are highest Combine these factors with increasing public concern over food safety, pesticide residues and fungicide use; it is easy to see that the future of crop production favours hydroponic and greenhouse production. Especially when premium prices can be obtained and the demand is sustainable.