Tabletop Strawberries Help Small Growers

Tabletop Strawberries Help Small Growers A new Canadian-made strawberry-growing approach is helping more growers meet rising demand for locally grown produce. The A.M.A. Horticulture Strawberry Growing System is a professional-grade gutter system designed for small-scale operations. The first-of-its-kind solution was developed in partnership with Growtec, a leading Canadian gutter-system manufacturer. The partnership’s goal was to create a scaled-down version of the system used in large greenhouses, giving smaller growers a greater opportunity. The do-it-yourself tabletop system comes complete with PE-coated gutters, brackets, irrigation hoses, dripper assemblies, drainage, truss support, tape, galvanized wire components, and more. Available in 92-in. segments, the system allows growers to start small and add as needed. Growers assemble the system on site. “Strawberry producers let us know exactly what they want to do, and we can design it to their specifications,” says Shawn Mallen, manager of hydroponics and berries at A.M.A. Horticulture. “The system comes complete with everything needed for a ‘table-top’ strawberry production system. A.M.A. will guide through the process: explaining the benefits, helping to determine unique needs, determining a cost, assisting with the basics of system operation, and offering aid when questions arise.” Brian Zimmermann, director of sales at Growtec, was aware that smaller producers were eager to enter the strawberry market and was excited to help them succeed. “When Shawn offered the partnership idea to create a scaled-down version of our gutter system, we jumped at the chance,” he says. “We’ve worked with A.M.A.’s team for a long time in support of the North American strawberry market, and we’re excited to help smaller-scale growers produce top-quality berries too.” Mallen explains that Canadians want locally grown strawberries year-round more than ever, but historically only large-scale production systems were available to growers. “Now, smaller growers can get started from a place of comfort with their own situation and finances, using a proven and customized growing system,” Mallen says. “We can help with multiple layers of the industry, from those just starting in strawberry production, those moving their production from field to tunnels, to research institutions, and even the ‘buy local’ growers serving their own communities.” The A.M.A. Horticulture Strawberry Growing System is available throughout North America. Because each grower’s facilities and resources differ, Mallen encourages all interested parties to contact them via the A.M.A. website for assistance with arranging details such as size, quantity, cost and availability. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, A.M.A. Horticulture Inc., 2011 Spinks Dr., Kingsville, Ontario, Canada N9Y 2E5 (ph 800-338-1136; ama@amahort.com; www.amahort.com).

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