Jim DiMenna, president of JemD Farms headquartered in Kingsville, ON, said that the company continues to receive outstanding feedback on its “Red Sun” brand of “Hacienda Special Reserve” heirloom tomatoes in a retail-ready display box.

“We will be featuring the item, along with our other outstanding ‘Artisan Series’ collection of greenhouse produce at the upcoming CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver on April 2-4,” said DiMenna.

The “Artisan Series” was born in 2011 as a result of JemD Farms’ global quest to identify, source and produce some of the most unique and flavorful greenhouse tomato varieties available.

JemD Farms’ ‘Red Sun’ brand of ‘Hacienda Special Reserve’ heirloom tomatoes display a rainbow of luscious color.JemD Farms will be at Booth No. 612 at the expo, and in addition to DiMenna, the company will be represented by Carlos Visconti, chief operating officer; Harold Paivarinta, director of sales and business development; Adrian Abbott, director of sales and business development; Jim Cathey, sales and procurement representative; Sabrina Pokomando, marketing and public relations manager; and Michelle Ward, sales coordinator.

Ward will be in attendance at the event also as a participant in the “Passions for Produce” program. It was created by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association as a program to provide rising stars within the produce industry the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the supply chain through mentorship and participation in various events. “Passion for Produce” is meant as a once in a lifetime opportunity for participating candidates to learn about the produce industry in an interactive setting while providing education on key aspects of the produce supply chain from “Field to Fork.”

DiMenna said that those at the JemD Farms’ booth will also be updating visitors about the company’s new Dublin, VA [Pulaski County], greenhouse facility, which is now under construction. He noted that it’s an exciting time to see the greenhouse and adjacent distribution center taking form.

“We are right on target to start shipping in fall 2014 from our phase 1 project,” said DiMenna. “It’s additionally exciting that this new facility will be our introduction into certified organic high-tech greenhouse produce. The organic line will include tomatoes-on-the-vine and grape tomatoes.”

He explained that there is still a lot of research and consideration going into exactly what tomato varieties the company will be growing organically in Virginia, but he noted, “You can bet that whatever decisions we make they’ll be the best varieties available.”

The first of three phases in the Virginia project is comprised of 18-acres of greenhouse and approximately 70,000-square-feet of service building and distribution facility.

Phase 2, will be an additional 17-acres of greenhouse growing space, and is scheduled for completion in 2015. Phase 3 adds an additional 18-acres, and is due to be operational in 2016.

DiMenna said retail and foodservice client responses to the new organic line are what will determine the amount of acreage that is allocated to organics in the last two phases.

“If the demand is at the level that we anticipate ultimately the entire acreage will be dedicated to organic production,” he said. “The greenhouses will be separated by walls that prevent any part of the conventional production from coming into contact with the organic production. We expect to have the highest possible level of organic certification, along with the latest and most effective food-safety and traceability certifications.”

Vegetables produced at the new Virginia facility will be marketed under JemD Farms’ “Red Sun Farms” label, and it will service the entire East Coast from Florida to Maine.

The company’s McAllen, TX, facility is also currently under construction.

“We started an expansion there in early February, and expect completion by the end of July,” said DiMenna. “We’re doubling the size — adding 25,000 square feet — for a total of 50,000 square feet when it’s completed.”

DiMenna served as chair of the CPMA last year. His term ended at the 2013 CPMA expo, which marks the traditional year-long term. This year he is serving as the convention chairman.

The company’s conventional line of high-quality greenhouse produce includes red, orange and yellow tomatoes on the vine, and beefsteak and cocktail tomatoes. JemD Farms also produces red, yellow and orange bell peppers, seedless cucumbers and specialty items such as mini eggplants, mini cucumbers and cocoa tomatoes.