“I will be attending the New York Produce Show on behalf of JemD Farms,” said Jim DiMenna, president of JemD Farms headquartered in Leamington, Ontario. “Our sales program manager, Doug Grabosky, will also be joining me. We did exhibit in the past, but on the heels of the PMA Fresh Summit, and with so many people to talk to at the New York Show, we decided to focus on those one-to-one conversations. There’s a lot going on at JemD Farms today, and we want to get the word out.”

He added that from his perspective in past years, the NYPS has been a very positive experience with outstanding attendance.

“And it’s a great time of the year to have this show in such a fantastic location. It is always a great draw for our retail partners.”

JemD Farms recently launched its Hacienda Special Reserve Tomatoes packed in a display ready case that is reminiscent of a wine case.

JemD Farms’ newest, unique and rustic collection of home grown heirloom style tomatoes offers the most discerning shopper an array of taste profiles.  From sweet to savory, these vintage tomatoes make the company’s special reserve list.

DiMenna noted that JemD Farms takes great pride in knowing that it has full control over its produce and all service areas — from the farm to the fork.

“We are retraceable every step of the way,” said DiMenna. “We are experts in the hydroponic produce business. Our company specializes in growing the finest produce available. Our experienced team is committed to taking extra measures and going to lengths to serve and satisfy our customers.”

JemD Farms’ state-of-the-art operations, vast experience and commitment to quality help to ensure that its tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are consistently fresh and delicious.

“We understand the greenhouse market, and focus on minimizing risk and maximizing profits for our customers,” DiMenna noted.

“As our business model is fully vertically integrated, JemD Farms provides our partners and North American consumers with a direct-from-the-farm relationship,” he said. “When purchasing a JemD Farms greenhouse produce product, the consumers and our customers benefit from the vertical integration structure of our company.”

The company employs an in-house logistics department, a grower and crop analytics team, a research and development team, a food-safety and traceability team and a specialized sales and marketing team.

One of the most exciting initiatives currently underway at JemD Farms is the now under construction Virginia greenhouse, which the company expects to be producing in fall 2014.

“The Virginia project is indeed very exciting for JemD Farms, and the project has gained significant exposure in both the industry trade press as well as the general press,” said DiMenna. “With the official endorsement at our ground breaking ceremony from the Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, it really pushed our company name to center stage.”

JemD Farms’ Virginia Greenhouse was just named “Most Valuable” project in the State of Virginia in October.

“Construction is well underway with phase one comprised of 20 acres of greenhouse and around 70,000 square feet of service building and distribution facility,” explained DiMenna. “Phase 2 and 3 leveling will be done by June 2014 and will result in over 60 acres of level or contoured ground and a rainwater collection pond of over three acres.  The finished building will be 50 acres of greenhouse, a customer service building/distribution center of over 75,000-square-feet and will provide employment for over 200 people.

“Not only is it our first U.S.-based greenhouse operation, Virginia will also be the location of our first organic crop,” DiMenna continued. “Although our organic crop selection process is still a few months away, we are very pleased with the response from our retail and foodservice partners.”