Red Sun Farms continues to expand greenhouse offerings
Red Sun Farms stands as one of North America’s largest fully vertically integrated high-tech greenhouse growing operations. With complete ownership and control of the entire process, from seed selection to retail delivery, the company ensures year-round supply of top-quality produce.
“Our diverse range includes tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, specialty varieties and organics,” said Carlos Visconti, CEO of Red Sun Farms.
Since its humble beginnings in 1998 with just over 160 acres, Red Sun Farms has experienced remarkable growth. In 2023, the operations have expanded to encompass 778 acres across Mexico, Canada and the United States. The company’s continuous growth is evident as construction is planned for an additional 36 acres.
“While our vertically integrated business model remains unchanged, Red Sun Farms has made significant investments in technology, efficiency and sustainability,” Visconti said. “By embracing advanced lighting systems we enhance crop growth and productivity.”
Efficiencies have been achieved through yield improvement initiatives and optimizing water usage, ensuring responsible resource management. Moreover, its commitment to sustainability is reflected in efforts to minimize food waste and invest in sustainable packaging solutions, reducing the company’s environmental impact.
Red Sun Farms remains dedicated to delivering the freshest and highest quality greenhouse produce while continually striving for innovation and sustainability in all aspects of our operations.
“In 2023, Red Sun Farms remains committed to upholding our stringent standards in food-safety, quality and year-round supply,” Visconti said. “We are dedicated to investing in sustainability and innovation, ensuring that our practices align with the principles of responsible agriculture.”
As part of its Seed to Plate commitment, Red Sun Farms takes ownership of every step in the process.
“From meticulous seed selection and propagation at our farms to efficient greenhouse operations, through harvesting, precise packing and reliable distribution, we maintain full control to deliver the highest quality peppers to our customers and consumers,” Visconti said. “Our dedication to excellence is reflected in every stage of the journey, ensuring a truly exceptional product that exceeds expectations.”
The start of the calendar year has faced several challenges for Red Sun Farms’ crops, including extreme heat levels in Mexico, unusual cloud coverage caused by forest fires in Canada and the need for effective virus control within all crops.
“Additionally, we have faced water shortages, scarcity of labor, and rising costs of fertilizers and other inputs within our greenhouses,” Visconti said. “Despite these obstacles, our team of highly skilled growers and crop care professionals have demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing our crops under these tough conditions. Their dedication and hard work have allowed us to overcome these challenges and work toward another strong performance this year. By implementing effective strategies and leveraging their expertise, we remain committed to delivering high-quality greenhouse produce to our customers.”
Recent challenges in the industry have acted as a catalyst for innovation and resilience. While some players have been forced out of business, organizations like Red Sun Farms have risen to the occasion, working harder to build a successful and sustainable business model.
Red Sun Farms understands the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity and continually strives to improve operations, mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of all crops.
“Through the collective efforts of our world-class team, we are confident in our ability to navigate the challenges and achieve success in the upcoming year,” Visconti said. “Red Sun Farms is excited to continue serving our retail partners and consumers with safe, high-quality, and sustainably grown produce.