A local greenhouse is opening its doors this weekend to give the public a chance to see how its sophisticated operation works as part of the third annual B.C. Veggie Day.
West Coast Vegetables Ltd. in Ladner is using B.C. Veggie Day this Saturday to educate consumers on what's grown in B.C.'s 42 greenhouses.
"When you step inside a greenhouse, you'll feel like you've stepped into a perfect tropical oasis managed by science and technology," according to the B.C. Greenhouse Growers Association, which is organizing B.C. Veggie Day.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada notes B.C. is the second largest greenhouse vegetable producing province in the country. Peppers are the primary product grown in B.C. greenhouses, while tomatoes come in second, followed by cucumbers.
All greenhouse vegetable production in B.C. is destined for the fresh wholesale market. International markets (mostly the United States) account for about 55 per cent of B.C.'s greenhouse vegetable sales, while the remaining 45 per cent of product is sold domestically.
According to the Corporation of Delta, this municipality represents about 50 per cent of the greenhouse vegetable area at the provincial level.
This Saturday's open house at West Coast Vegetables Ltd., 3975-46A St., takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also having open houses this Saturday are Topgro Greenhouses in Aldergrove and Bakerview Greenhouses in Abbotsford.
For more information, visit bcgreenhouse.ca.
