How energy screens in the harsh Alberta winter boost Big Marble's competitive edge

DECEMBER 2020

Big Marble Farms is one of Alberta’s largest greenhouse operations, and among the first in the province able to grow fresh produce year-round. As the first grower in North America to install Svensson’s Luxous 1147 FR, the team invests in cultivation technologies to uphold quality and stay “Always Growing,” a mission rooted in their culture.

Based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Big Marble Farms benefits from the Canadian Sunbelt’s strong light levels (over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and more than 330 days of sunshine a year). Even so, winter conditions are harsh enough that light alone cannot offset the cold.

Big Marble’s 1.5 million sq. ft. greenhouse produces mini cucumbers, long English cucumbers, TOV tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes, with quality intended to be consistent in both summer and winter.

More light, more production

When planning a greenhouse expansion, Big Marble selected Svensson’s Luxous 1147 FR energy screen for its high light transmission.

When asked what the main goal was with the potential for greater light transmission, Big Marble’s President and longtime family grower Ryan Cramer answered, “More light, more production! Our goal is to increase our production potential.”

The Luxous energy-saving screen supports 365-day operation. During darker months such as December, when outside temperatures drop below 15°C, Big Marble typically keeps the screen closed through the day and also closes it at night to maximize energy savings. As Cramer puts it: “In the cold winter months, our Luxous screen allows us full climate control in the greenhouse,”

Using the best technologies bring the best opportunities

“Our vegetables are produced using the best technologies that the market has to offer. From high-wire growing to the use of lights and screens, these technologies equip us to grow fresh, local produce all winter long,” says Cramer.

He adds: “Most of the surrounding operations don’t utilize climate screens and don’t have lights or a structure with the height that we do,”

Year-round production has helped Big Marble secure new contracts. Cramer notes, “With consistent winter production, we were able to approach major local retailers with enough volume to supply cucumbers and TOV tomatoes to our retailer's customer base throughout western Canada. Today, we’re present in over 200 Sobey and Safeway stores thanks to our ability to supply fresh, local produce no matter what season it is!”

The result is that local produce can spend more time ripening on the vine and less time in transit compared with winter imports, supporting freshness and quality in Alberta stores.

“The ability to extend the growing season and offer product in the winter months is huge,” says Cramer, adding that feedback has been positive so far.