Red Sun Farms has expanded its Pharr, TX, distribution facility and has begun construction on its expanded acreage at its new, cutting-edge hydroponic greenhouse in Dublin, VA. The facility is producing both conventional and organic produce, having received its organic certification on Nov. 9 of last year.

“Phase 1 of the new Virginia facility began its first harvest of conventional tomatoes, marketed under the ‘Red Sun Farms’ brand, last September,” noted Jim DiMenna, president of the Leamington, Ontario-based company. “The first harvest of organic tomatoes, which are branded ‘Golden Sun Farms,’ was in October.”

“The Phase 1 portion of the facility provided jobs for 95 primarily local people,” he continued. “Completion of the facility is slated for 2017, and when finished Red Sun Farms’ Virginia footprint will boast 48 acres of conventional locally grown, greenhouse-grown tomatoes, organic tomatoes and our specialty line of produce. The three-year project will create jobs for 205 people.”

DiMenna added that the company has also begun work on additional acreage at its Mexico greenhouse facility.

Red Sun Farms is eagerly looking forward to exhibiting at the 2015 Southern Exposure trade show, being held at the Caribe Royale All Suite Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, FL, on Feb. 26-28. Its booth, number 906, will be well-staffed by company officials in addition to DiMenna. They include Harold Paivarinta, director of sales; Sabrina Pokomandy, marketing and public relations manager; Jim D’Amato, senior account manager; and Carlos Visconti, chief operating officer.

“Red Sun Farms has attended the Southern Exposure event since the first year it was held,” said DiMenna. “This year we’ll be promoting our organically grown tomatoes on the vine and grape tomatoes from Virginia and organic grape tomatoes from Mexico.”

The company is also actively involved with the SEPC. Paivarinta serves on the board of directors and is the chairman of the educational committee. Pokomandy is co-chairman of Southern Roots, a new leadership program for women in produce which was officially launched at the SEPC’s 2014 Annual Innovations Symposium, formerly named the Fall Conference. It is designed to make meaningful connections among women working in the produce industry through events, education and mentoring.

DiMenna places high value on the SEPC and on its events and programs.

“The Southeast Produce Council is like family to us,” he said. “Great networking opportunities exist and relationship-building activities are skillfully created for attendees at every event. The Southern Exposure expo is a wonderful event for the produce industry. Each exhibitor is limited to a 10x10-foot space, which brings equality to all companies. The event is very well attended by retail and foodservice partners alike. There is a limit to number of exhibitors, so it’s small and intimate venue is maintained. This gives companies an opportunity to talk to every attendee.”

The Red Sun Farms’ team participates in all events at Southern Exposure, including the Tom Page Golf Classic, educational seminars, luncheons, receptions and galas.

“We also sponsor events at the Annual Innovations Symposium,” added DiMenna.