Canada-based Mucci Farms has initiated Phase III construction of an expansion project of its 36-acre Strawberry farm in Kingsville, Ontario.

Expected to commence production next year, the farm will utilise 1.5 million square feet of diffused glass to allow even sunlight distribution and minimise stress on the plants.

Phase III of the project will involve the implementation of lit culture technology, which is intended to allow for strawberry growth during the winter. The firm is currently leveraging this technology at its 30-acre greenhouses to grow lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers throughout the year.

"The farm will utilise 1.5 million square feet of diffused glass to allow even sunlight distribution and minimise stress on the plants."

Mucci Farms CEO Bert Mucci said: "We will continue to use high-pressure fogging systems to cool down the greenhouse in the hotter months and also install the swing gutter system, which allows for the amount of maximum plants per square metre."

Mucci Farms Sales and Marketing vice-president Danny Mucci said: "Our strawberry programme is being met with a great deal of enthusiasm from current and potential retail partners because of our emphasis on premium flavour and consistent supply.”