Greenhouse vegetables offer local produce year-round

RALEIGH, NC (April 4, 2019) — Tomato lovers don’t have to wait to find fresh, locally grown tomatoes. That’s because fresh greenhouse-grown tomatoes are now available at farmers markets across the state.

“While there is no official season for greenhouse vegetables, early spring is the busiest time of year for local growers. The greenhouse technology allows growers to extend their growing season and helps further diversify the state’s $87 billion agricultural industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Tomatoes account for about 90 percent of the state’s greenhouse vegetables, but other vegetables, such as cucumbers, lettuces and peppers, are also grown.

To celebrate, the department and the N.C. Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association will host Greenhouse Vegetable Days at the State Famers Market in Raleigh on April 18 and the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax on April 26. Both events offer the public the opportunity to sample greenhouse-grown tomatoes, make a fresh tomato sandwich and learn about greenhouse technologies from local farmers.

To find local greenhouse growers near you, go to www.ncgreenhouse.org.