GPN, April 20, 2020
Green Automation has announced the realization of another project in North America. The installation of Green Automation’s fully automated growing system at Fresh Local Produce in Hudson, Ohio, was completed this winter.
Fresh Local product of Ohio started its production of fresh baby lettuce in February and can already be found on the shelves of several grocery stores in the area. Fresh Local Produce is selling under the brand “Free! Leafy Greens.”
The name Free! Leafy Greens is referring to everything this baby leaf lettuce is free of; it is free of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides; GMOs; chlorine washes; and even any hands touching the lettuce.
“This is what we call hands-free cultivation,” said Anthony Umina, managing member of Fresh Local Produce. “Food safety is at the top of everyone’s priority list today, retailers, restaurants and consumers alike. Our hands-free cultivation in the controlled environment of a greenhouse checks all the boxes for safe and sustainable growing.”
“With food safety being at the focus of attention in the industry today and an essential component of any successful food production operation, we as a company are taking it upon ourselves to join the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Initiative and raise our food standards,” explained Gina Frontino, food safety and quality assurance manager at Fresh Local Produce. “By doing so, we have implemented a comprehensive food safety system and are preparing for our first voluntary SQF audit to obtain the Food Safety and Quality Certification.”
“When choosing the growing system for their operations, Fresh Local Produce asked the right questions,” said Patrik Borenius, CEO of Green Automation Americas. “They looked at yield numbers, plant density, labor efficiency and the costs involved to achieve an economically viable operation. Our fully automated growing system with moving open gutters achieves the highest plant density and operates efficiently on a commercial scale. Fresh Local Produce also chose a strategic location for their greenhouse. The site is close to the interstate allowing for efficient distribution of their fresh greens, and with a population of over 50 million with a 6-hour truck drive.”
Free! Leafy Greens are grown and harvested every day, 365 days per year. The new greenhouse operation measures 2 acres and the site is prepared for future expansions.
