Applied research into best management practices for commercial tomato production in northern British Columbia

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The College of New Caledonia and Edgewood Farm are collaborating on an applied research project that will help expand their business to include commercial greenhouse tomato production. One of the key supply-side challenges specific to northern regions of BC is around optimal tomato varieties and planting practices specific to regional climate and environmental conditions. Commercial production of tomatoes requires careful environmental and biological (pathogen) management, and management regimes must incorporate region-specific information. College faculty and students will work with Edgewood Farm to identify tomato varieties, determine which planting practices produce the best yields and the best plant growth suited to growing in unheated greenhouses in northern British Columbia. Tomatoes are a high valued crop in northern BC, and represent a substantial economic opportunity for Edgewood. Students involved in this project will learn important skills in environmental sensor operation and data collection, statistical analyses, and the importance developing new horticulture processes and practices.