High-tech greenhouse will grow fresh, pesticide-free cut baby leaf greens for food service and retail sectors.
King City, Ontario, October 1st, 2024 — Kinghaven Farms, established in 1967 and renowned for its legacy in thoroughbred horse racing and breeding, is expanding its agricultural expertise with the launch of Haven Greens, a new controlled environment agriculture (CEA) brand focused on year-round, greenhouse-grown fresh, pesticide-free leafy greens. Alongside recent ventures into beekeeping and honey production, Kinghaven Farms is furthering its commitment to environmentally conscious farming practices with Haven Greens.
“Haven Greens was a natural name choice for our new greenhouse company, reflecting both our heritage and vision for the future,” said Jay Willmot, CEO and Founder of Haven Greens and President of Kinghaven Farms. “It’s part of our promise to offer a ‘sanctuary’ of leafy greens that are as kind to the planet as they are to your palate.”
Executive Appointments Lead Innovation
Eric Highfield, Chief Agricultural Officer, and Lindsay Bryson, Chief Operating Officer, have joined the executive team. Highfield is widely recognized for his expertise in large-scale controlled environment agriculture and automation, while Bryson brings dynamic global operations expertise with a strong background in strategic business development.
Willmot praised Highfield's leadership: "Eric's expertise in cultivation has been crucial throughout the design and construction of Haven Greens' cutting-edge facility. We’re excited for him to lead our efforts in consistently growing and delivering top-quality leafy greens across Ontario."
"Lindsay's depth of operations expertise and strategic leadership makes her an ideal fit as our COO," adds Willmot. "Her talent for building high-performing teams and streamlining processes will be invaluable as we bring our vision for Haven Greens to life."
A New Approach to Indoor Agriculture in Canada
Haven Greens integrates advanced greenhouse technology with a focus on environmental responsibility, producing sweet and crunchy leafy greens. Phase One will cover two hectares and feature a fully automated, hands-free system for growing baby leaf lettuce. An innovative mobile gutter system maximizes space, eliminating manual transplanting and improving efficiency.
"By building one of the largest automated greenhouses in the country, we're redefining how leafy greens are grown in Ontario and beyond," said Willmot. "Our AI-driven systems enhance productivity, reduce energy use, and lower emissions, setting a new standard for indoor agriculture."
The first production phase will focus on three lettuce blends: baby green leaf, baby red and green leaf mix, and baby spring mix with produce estimated to hit the market in February 2025.
About Haven Greens
Haven Greens is building one of Canada’s most advanced greenhouse lettuce operations in King City, Ontario, just outside Toronto. The climate-controlled, pesticide-free facility ensures every leaf is consistently crunchy, sweet, and ready-to-eat without washing. Grown year-round and harvested daily, Haven Greens lettuce stays fresh longer and offers superior quality. Launching in February 2025, the company is set to supply fresh, locally grown, and environmentally responsible leafy greens to food service and retail sectors across Ontario and North American markets.
For more information, visit: www.havengreens.ca.