The growing price of lettuce on Sudbury shelves is no problem for Truly Northern Farms, based here in Greater Sudbury.
The markup price of lettuce is so dire due to a combination of heat waves, drought, torrential rains, and a widespread outbreak of the impatiens necrotic spot virus that has resulted in limited supply. This has left restaurants and grocery stores grappling with how to get those fresh greens to the table at a reasonable price.
Truly Northern Farms does things differently and more locally. It relies on a hydroponic growing system with farms based in Blezard Valley, as well as a modular farm they rent in Opasatika between Kapuskasing and Hearst.
Erin Rowe is a part owner of Truly Northern Farms. The farm consists of Erin and her husband, Stephane Lanteigne, a business partner and one worker, who assists with harvesting twice per week, especially with kale that has been sold at Smith’s Markets since 2017.
“Both farms use a different system, Rowe said. “One uses a grow tower, while the one up north uses a rack system with styrofoam to grow lettuce with the roots just touching the water.”
Two farm locations produce romaine lettuce and a greens mix, along with basil, bok choy, pea shoots, swiss chard, radish sprouts, broccoli sprouts, and the list goes on.
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