Kinghaven Farms Launches Commercial Production at State-of-the-Art Greenhouse

Located in Ontario, Kinghaven Farms is poised to revolutionize local agriculture with the commencement of commercial production at its newly constructed greenhouse, which is characterized by advanced automation technology. This pivotal moment follows the successful commissioning of the Green Automation system, marking a significant milestone as the company transitions into full-scale operations. Operating under the brand name Haven Greens, Kinghaven Farms sowed its first commercial crop of leafy greens this past Monday, with the initial harvest of baby leaves anticipated in mid-March.

The completion of the commissioning process signifies the final preparatory phase before Haven Greens’ produce becomes available to the market. With the operational systems fully tested and the greenhouse ready for production, the company is dedicated to rapidly scaling its output to satisfy Canada’s increasing demand for locally sourced, high-quality produce.

Embracing Automation and Innovation

While the Haven Greens greenhouse operates with remarkable automation that minimizes human input, the facility has recently been bustling with activity as team members conduct system tests and preparations. Founder Jay Willmot and his team have embraced every new sign of growth within the greenhouse. “Watching everything turn on is awesome,” Jay expresses, noting the excitement of seeing the systems activate and the climate control mechanisms being finely tuned. “It’s a fantastic time for us.”

Over the past few years, the team has dedicated their efforts to establishing this cutting-edge facility, fueled by Jay’s strong belief in the potential for Canada to become a leader in locally grown lettuce production. As demand for locally sourced foods rises, particularly in urban centers like Toronto, the opportunity to provide a steady supply of fresh greens becomes increasingly viable. “The Canadian lettuce market has ample room for growth,” Jay explains, emphasizing that retailers are accustomed to high-quality lettuce from vertical farms, yet the scale of greenhouse production can meet broader market needs. “We are committed to supplying high-quality produce that meets our retail partners’ expectations, showcasing that locally grown greenhouse products can compete on quality and price.”

Price competitiveness remains a crucial aspect of the fresh produce market. Having learned that producing perfect vegetables is only half the battle, Haven Greens has heavily invested in automation to streamline both cultivation and sales processes. The construction of their two-hectare greenhouse was completed last year, featuring a fully automated Green Automation mobile gulley cultivation system developed in collaboration with Havecon and the Atrium Agri Group. This partnership aligns with Haven Greens’ mission to provide a reliable supply of high-quality greens that remain unaffected by unpredictable weather patterns. “A people-free greenhouse,” Jay describes, adding that their collaboration with experienced project partners has yielded positive results in early operations.

Scaling Production with Confidence

With the greenhouse systems now fully operational and tested, the team is well-prepared to scale production. “We have focused on calibrating all systems, implementing biosecurity protocols, and ensuring climate control systems are ready for production,” Jay shares proudly. Despite facing a cold winter, the team has navigated challenges adeptly, utilizing rainwater to sustain operations. “We’re accustomed to winter in Canada, and it hasn’t posed significant problems for us,” he notes, emphasizing the resilient management of their facility.

Introducing Commercial Crops

The initial commercial crops cultivated in the greenhouse will include Baby Green Leaf, Baby Red and Green Leaf, and Baby Spring Mix, all designed to maintain freshness for extended periods. “We’re experimenting with various single-variety lettuces and considering additions like red lettuce, arugula, mustard, and bok choy in the early phases to determine the best options for consumer appeal.” By offering a diverse range of greens, Haven Greens aims to respond effectively to market preferences.

To accommodate different market segments, the company will present its produce in various packaging formats, including standard trays (4-ounce and 8-ounce packages) and a three-pound food service package. In addition to its lettuce offerings, Haven Greens is exploring innovative product development, including salad kits to cater to the growing demand for fresh, convenient meal solutions. “We are committed to delivering high-quality greens that are both fresh and cost-effective,” states Jeremy Anderson, Haven Greens’ VP of Market Strategy and Planning.

Commitment to Local Communities

As they embark on this exciting journey, Jay acknowledges the challenges presented by current market conditions. “Entrepreneurship is inherently challenging, even under the best circumstances,” he reflects. However, he remains optimistic about scaling operations rapidly and exploring distribution opportunities in both local and export markets. Despite potential tariff hurdles, supportive measures from the Canadian government aim to enhance domestic exports. “We are dedicated to bolstering the local economy and addressing food insecurity through initiatives such as food bank support.” Haven Greens also plans to participate in Ontario’s Just-an-Acre Program, where greenhouse outputs are composted for local farmland benefit. “In every facet, we strive to be a local-for-local company.”

As the commissioning process concludes, indicating that Haven Greens is ready to deliver its products to market, the company remains committed to providing not just exceptional greens but also a sustainable and scalable solution for Canada’s fresh produce industry. Looking ahead, Jay is already contemplating future expansion, with Phase Two of the project on the horizon. “Perhaps not this year,” he laughs. “2026 seems like a more realistic target.”