Tomato grower picks 1st crop from its new greenhouse

In September, Backyard Farms in Madison, Maine, celebrated the 1st tomato crop harvested from its new 18-acre greenhouse expansion. Since starting production in 2007 in a single 24-acre greenhouse, the company has sold more than 40 million pounds of tomatoes. The Bangor Daily News reports the company, which is the largest greenhouse operation in New England, employs 200 full- and part-time employees to maintain 450,000 tomato plants. The company, which burns propane to heat the greenhouses, is currently evaluating renewable energy options. The newspaper reports Backyard Farms received a $500,000 USDA grant and loan guarantee to look at alternative energy sources. Company president Roy Lubetkin told the newspaper the operation is planning to expand the number of tomato varieties it offers and maybe eventually try other vegetables, including peppers, cucumbers and eggplants. He said he hopes this latest expansion isn’t the last.