Contact: Melissa Doyle
207-696-2118
Backyard Farms to begin construction of second greenhouse
MADISON, Maine (July 23, 2008) – Backyard Farms LLC, the largest New England greenhouse grower of vine-ripened tomatoes, today announced it will begin construction of its second greenhouse in Madison, Maine this fall. Approximately 75 new workers will be hired for the facility next spring.
Backyard Farms™ vine-ripened tomatoes will be grown year-round in the new 18-acre, state-of-the-art greenhouse, with the first harvest anticipated in the fall of 2009. The new greenhouse, in combination with the 24-acre facility that opened last year, will result in a complex of nearly 2 million square feet of greenhouse growing space.
“During our first 18 months of operation, we have been delighted by the incredibly positive response we have received from our local community, the state of Maine and our customers throughout the Northeast,” said Roy Lubetkin, president and chief executive officer, Backyard Farms. “With this second greenhouse, we expect to bring our local workforce to more than 175 employees, offer new tomato varieties and meet the increasing demand for our locally grown, top-quality tomatoes-on-the-vine.”
Lubetkin also noted that the State has been extremely helpful in providing needed assistance in many ways, including important incentives such as the Pine Tree Zone designation, job training initiatives and prompt environmental permitting.
Maine Governor John Baldacci welcomed the announcement. “As a state with a rich agricultural history, Maine is proud to have helped Backyard Farms establish itself as a true market leader and the “go-to” source for local, year-round on-the-vine tomatoes in the Northeastern United States,” said Governor Baldacci. “The company’s continued expansion with the construction of its second greenhouse is great news for the local economies of Madison and Somerset County, which have benefited tremendously from the company’s operations since its inception. We will continue to do all we can to support Backyard Farms as it moves forward with this new project and business growth strategy.”
“It is tremendously gratifying that both our consumer and retail customers have embraced our vine-ripened tomatoes since our product became available in stores in early 2007,” said Lubetkin. “Demand for our product remains high throughout the Northeast and we are excited to expand our ability to offer our Maine-grown tomatoes year-round.”
Backyard Farms has produced and sold more than 20 million pounds of tomatoes since its first harvest in January 2007. In addition, for every three jobs created at Backyard Farms, the company estimates an additional job is created locally.
About Backyard Farms
Backyard Farms operates a 24-acre, state-of-the-art greenhouse in Madison, Maine that provides the Northeast with fresh, locally grown Backyard Farms tomatoes year-round. The company has based its business on the principles of taking care of its employees, giving back to local communities and treating the earth with respect. Backyard Farms tomatoes are left on the vine to ripen and shipped within just a day of harvest, creating a tomato that is sweet and busting with flavor. The greenhouse is among the most modern in the world and uses the most advanced and environmentally friendly greenhouse technology available. For more information on Backyard Farms, visit www.backyard-farms.com.
