Continuing with its calculated growth track, Mucci Farms Ltd. plans to break ground on its newest state-of-the-art facility on American soil this fall. “We are deep into negotiations which will be a U.S. build,” said Joe Spano, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We have acquired the land and hope the next build will wave the American flag.”

Mucci Farms is headquartered in Kingsville, ON. The company owns and operates 150 acres in greenhouse production and represents an additional 400 acres of Canadian greenhouses. Mucci also represents Mexican growers with an additional 200-300 acres in production.

The Ontario greenhouse industry as a whole has more than 2,200 acres in greenhouse production in the Leamington and Kingsville region. “Our greenhouse farms grow fresh produce with significantly higher yields than traditional farming practices, and together with our carefully selected Mexican growing partners, we are able to provide premium greenhouse produce year round,” the company’s website states.

Commodities grown and marketed include a variety tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and specialty produce.

The anticipated expansion in the United States follows on the heels of the successful renovation of the company’s warehouse and office space in Canada. During the fall of 2012, 30 acres of high-tech glass were also added. “Those expansions are seeing their second and third years of crops,” he told The Produce News. “We’re very happy with the results.”

Spano said enough land has been acquired to add 30 additional acres at startup in the United States and give Mucci Farms the ability to add two additional builds at the site — each comprised of 30 acres — over the next five years.

As is true for its Canadian facilities, the U.S. facility will be high tech.

“We’re really excited about the power agreement we’ve negotiated with the township,” he went on to say, adding that this agreement continues the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly, low-cost and sustainable production practices.

Spano said the new build will allow Mucci Farms the ability to put items grape tomatoes, specialty cucumbers and other items under grow lights. The first harvest on U.S. soil will occur in the spring of 2015.

Looking at Canadian production, Spano said, “All crops are in full swing. We have had nice cool nights and sunny days.”

Mucci Farms has completed the process for non-GMO certification, and Spano said this labeling will be added to packaging this year.

Looking into the not-so-distant future, Spano said, “We’re experimenting with new items.” The company is exploring the feasibility of possible production of hydroponic lettuce and strawberries.

Mucci Farms prides itself in promoting healthful eating among children. Kid-friendly offerings include Bellasweets super-sweet mini peppers, SunDrops sweet grape tomatoes and Cutecumbers. All are perfectly proportioned for children’s smaller hands.

“We want to be sure kids get good produce,” he stated. “We’re 100 percent mom-approved.”

The company also works with local schools to promote consumption of fresh items and hosts several facility tours during the summer months. The tours, Spano said, have been well received.