As a business, Houweling’s Tomatoes has been a pioneer in adopting sustainability practices, but the company has been disciplined in evaluating those investments. “Each project has to not only provide a conservation benefit, but also contribute to better performing crops and a return on investment,” said Lindsay Martinez, the company’s brand manager. “Without profitability, we cannot be a sustainable business for years to come.”

But many projects have penciled out and the firm is a leader in the agricultural space in conserving natural resources. At the firm’s Camarillo, CA, farm, every building rooftop is fitted with gutter systems to capture rain water, which is stored in tanks on-site. Additionally, a four-acre retention pond is treated on-site, sterilized and used for fresh irrigation water. “This closed loop system prevents soil run off and delivers an overall reduction in water consumption,” she said. 

Houweling’s Tomatoes President Casey Houweling in one of the company’s greenhouses.Energy conservation is another area where Houweling’s is aggressive. Thermal energy from on-site chillers is captured and stored for greenhouse heating. Power is also generated from a solar installation in California as well as cogeneration engines in both Camarillo and Delta, British Columbia. The company’s newest greenhouse, in Mona, UT, is situated next to a natural gas power plant, allowing the firm to use previously wasted heat and CO2.

And of course, Martinez said greenhouse production in California enables year-round production, which results in a smaller footprint by producing more from less land. “Houweling’s 125 acres of greenhouse in Camarillo, CA, would require at least 3,000 field acres to match annual output,” she said.

Speaking of the current tomato crop, Martinez said it has been a strong summer. “Quality coming out of the greenhouse is optimal with long summer days and our ability to manage the climatic conditions for the plants. As we traditionally see this time of year, pricing is average. Supply and demand are in decent balance with regular swings.”

Because of the many homegrown deals around the country, Houweling’s does adjust its production downward and uses the opportunity for annual maintenance. “That said, our position as a year-round, locally-grown California and Utah greenhouse farm, allows us to support consumer preference for local.”

Martinez said Houweling’s Sweetoms sweet grape tomatoes continue to grow in popularity for discerning shoppers and premium retailers who value a locally-grown item year round. And the company continues to work on new items. “Houweling’s will be introducing some premium tomato varieties with outstanding flavor, which is what consumers are asking for and say they are willing to pay a bit more. Stay tuned!” she said, as she wasn’t quite ready to make an official announcement.

The newest endeavor at Houweling’s is the addition of the Utah operation. Situated on 28 acres, 80 miles south of Salt Lake City, it is capable of providing year-round production for the markets in that area. The farm is Houweling’s third location and has the capacity to expand to more than 100 acres under glass.

“We are strong believers in locally grown produce and its advantages, including better taste, longer shelf life, reduced carbon footprint and support of local economies,” Martinez said. 

Houweling’s uses social media to connect with local consumers and the industry. “We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and Pinterest,” she said.   “Facebook has been especially beneficial with our integration into the Utah community since the opening of our newest farm.”

No discussion of California farming is complete without talking about the ongoing four-year drought. “As a farmer in California, it continues to be a serious concern. We do what we can to offset this… By virtue of growing indoors, and utilizing drip irrigation, in comparison to open field tomatoes, Houweling’s uses one-sixth the water for equivalent annual production.”