Canada: Growing strawberries locally in response to tariffs

With locally-grown produce becoming a top priority, a new Canadian-made strawberry growing system is helping more growers meet the demand. The A.M.A. Strawberry Growing System is a professional-grade gutter system built for small-scale production. Developed in partnership between A.M.A. Horticulture Inc. and Growtec, it is a first-of-its-kind solution for growers looking to enter the strawberry market or extend their berry growing season by moving production from field to tunnel.

"Now more than ever, Canadians want locally-grown strawberries year-round," says Shawn Mallen, manager of hydroponics and berries at A.M.A. Horticulture. "Large Canadian greenhouse operations have risen to the challenge, growing berries in controlled environments and getting them onto grocery store shelves across the country. But until now, only large-scale production systems were available for growers, creating a barrier to entry."

"We partnered with Growtec, a leading Canadian gutter system manufacturer, to create a scaled-down version of the same gutter system used in many 40-acre greenhouses," Shawn explains. "Now, smaller growers can get started at their own pace and budget, using a proven system that's customized for their unique needs."

The A.M.A. Strawberry Growing System is a do-it-yourself, tabletop gutter system that comes complete with gutters, brackets, drainage, truss support and more. Available in 92″ segments, growers can choose how big or small they want to start, and add as they go. The system is designed to spec, assembled by growers on site, and can be shipped across North America.

"We knew smaller producers were eager to enter the strawberry market, and we were eager to help. So when Shawn had the idea of partnering on a scaled-down version of our gutter system, we jumped at the chance," says Brian Zimmermann, director of sales at Growtec. "We've worked with the A.M.A. team for a long time, supporting the North American strawberry market, and we're excited to now help growers produce top quality berries no matter the size of their operation."

Growtec and A.M.A. Horticulture are established leaders in North America's berry market. For decades, A.M.A. has delivered quality containers, substrates and other solutions to push the boundaries of berry growing, with many innovations coming from partners in Europe, including BVB Substrates and Bato Plastics.

"We make a point of visiting Europe, and specifically the Netherlands, every year to learn what they're doing now, and what we could be doing better," says Shawn, who has become a leading voice for strawberry substrates in North America, most recently presenting at the 2025 joint meeting of the North American Strawberry Growers Association and North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association in Hawaii.

"Our team lives by the philosophy of always learning, always growing. It's how we deliver solutions that help our customers succeed, and this new strawberry system is a perfect example," says Connie Bradt, managing director of A.M.A. Horticulture. "We are so proud to serve growers and help them innovate, improve their business, and deliver quality produce to consumers across this country."