Sustainable Agriculture

Since our beginnings 35 years ago, the Houweling's Hot House group has prided itself on a deep passion to leverage technologies to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.  We are a responsible greenhouse operator who is committed to developing sustainable social, environmental and economic practices. 

Our commitment to sustainable practices includes:

Renewable Energy
We are dedicated to reducing our use of non-renewable sources of energy.  In 2009 we installed a 5 acre solar photovoltaric hybrid system at our Oxnard facility.  This system will generate 1 megawatt of electricity.  Solar electricity generation is expected to provide over 50 percent of the facility's energy needs, avoiding CO2 emissions of over 1.5 million pounds annually.  This is equivalent to removing over 300 cars from the roads or the absorption of CO2 from over 400 acres of trees. 

Reduced Fossil Fuel Usage
At certain times, heating greenhouses is essential for maintaining the optimal growing conditions.  In the past, burning natural gas to generate heat for facilities was a common practice.  We have converted to cleaner-burning renewable sources of fuel.  Our Delta facility uses renewable biomass which is carbon neutral.  Automated screens in our new greenhouse facility in Oxnard close over the plants every evening to hold in accumulated heat through the night.  In 2009 we installed a solar thermal system mounted on top of our newly constructed packinghouse in Oxnard.  This system will reduce our CO2 emissions by 15.4 million pounds annually. 

Water Conservation
We effectively conserve water and reduce draw off of the water table by collecting and recycling rain water in on site retention ponds.  We also utilize drip irrigation which significantly conserves water usage and run off by only feeding our plants with the water they need to thrive.  Our newly expanded greenhouse facility in Oxnard has enhanced our irrigation program further. 
Closing the greenhouse has significantly reduced evaporation of irrigation water. Excess irrigation water runoff is collected and transported to the water treatment system gutters.  
Treatment and recycling of condensation, rain, runoff water, and fertilizing nutrients is accomplished through advanced water treatment and ozonation technology. This has resulted in a 66 percent decrease in water use and a 50 percent decrease in nutrients needed.   

Land Stewardship
Our hydroponic growing practices minimize our impact on the land.  Since we grow in media above the ground, the vitality of soil is maintained.  Further, our new water conservation system at our Oxnard facility eliminates run off back into the environment.  Our grower team constantly seeks new ways to increase plant yields which allows us maximize the amount of land used for growing.

Packaging
Our goal is to source and use environmentally beneficial packaging options that utilize post-consumer recycled materials, and minimize our impact on the environment.  Our corrugated shipping cartons contain post-consumer feedstock, and we only use PET plastic clamshells.

Safe and Fair Working Conditions
We employ over 500 people at our Oxnard and Delta facilities.  We offer safe working conditions, wage policies, benefits and training/development for our employees.