Ideal for Soft Fruits Growers
Our high tunnel greenhouses are purpose-built for berry and open-field crop producers who need reliable protection over large cultivated areas. Designed to cover expansive growing zones efficiently, these commercial greenhouse solutions deliver optimal shelter against weather variability — enabling earlier planting, extended harvests, and consistently higher-quality produce.
By maintaining more stable growing conditions, our structures help increase yields, reduce crop losses, and lower operating costs, whether you are cultivating strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or other delicate crops. From small farms transitioning out of open-field growing to large commercial berry operations, Harnois adapts every solution to your goals and your climate.
Why use high tunnels for open-field & soft fruit production?
Soft fruits — including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries — are highly sensitive to weather fluctuations, disease pressure, and shortened growing seasons. Left unprotected, these crops are exposed to spring frosts, summer hail, and excessive autumn rain, all of which translate directly into yield loss and revenue risk.
Our high tunnel greenhouse systems offer producers a cost-effective path to protected cultivation with key production advantages:
- Earlier planting and harvesting — start weeks ahead of unprotected neighbours
- Protection from rain, frost, and hail — eliminate the most common causes of crop loss
- Improved fruit quality — uniform size, cleaner skin, better shelf life
- Better yield consistency — reduce stress-related losses across the season
- Extended market access — reach buyers before and after the conventional harvest window
Whether you are producing for fresh markets, local grocery distribution, pick-your-own agritourism, or food processing, a high tunnel helps you increase returns and reduce seasonal risk. Explore our full range of greenhouse structures to find the configuration that fits your acreage and crop mix.
Greenhouse structures for soft fruits & open-field crops
Designed to protect large areas for commercial growers
Harnois’ high tunnel systems are specifically engineered for growers who need to cover large field areas quickly, economically, and durably. Built from exclusive 50 ksi certified oval-steel tubing — up to 3.9× stronger than standard round tube — our structures withstand snow loads up to 80 inches and wind speeds up to 155 mph.
The result is a structure that protects your crop without demanding constant mechanical intervention. These tunnels help reduce losses due to frost, wind, and heavy rainfall while enabling earlier planting and longer harvest windows. Whether you are growing strawberries, raspberries, or field crops such as tomatoes and melons, our greenhouse solutions help you optimize space, labor, and seasonal productivity.
Our TunnelPro Plus is the flagship model for soft fruits: 31’6″ wide, with a peak clearance of 18′, available in configurations starting at 3 tunnels with no concrete foundation required. Blocks scale from ½ hectare (7 tunnels) to 9.4 hectares (5 blocks of 28 tunnels), making it viable for any operation size.
A perfect solution for soft fruits production efficiency
Higher yields and crop quality
High tunnel greenhouses for soft fruit production significantly boost both yield per square metre and harvest quality. By creating a more stable growing environment, these structures reduce crop stress and promote uniform growth throughout the crop cycle.
Growers can increase planting density while maintaining quality standards, resulting in better fruit size, flavour, and shelf life. Predictable conditions also enable more accurate harvest planning, helping meet market demand and reduce post-harvest losses. Compared to open-field growing, growers consistently report higher crop density and improved product uniformity.
Lower input and labor costs
Our high tunnels are among the most cost-efficient greenhouse solutions for berry production. They require minimal mechanical intervention, reducing fuel and maintenance costs. Harvesting operations become faster and more ergonomic — increasing harvesting speed by up to 40% when paired with elevated growing benches.
These structures also support precise input management: producers report up to a 50% decrease in pesticide use, alongside optimized water efficiency and minimized fertilizer waste. Combined, these savings contribute to a measurably stronger bottom line and faster return on investment.
Longer growing season & increased resilience
Thanks to their protective design, high tunnels enable growers to start planting earlier in the spring and continue harvesting later into the fall — even in colder Canadian and northern US climates. A standard TunnelPro Plus configuration extends the productive season by up to three months compared to open-field production.
This extended season supports multiple harvests per year, increasing income stability — particularly for high-demand crops such as strawberries and raspberries. The added protection also reduces losses due to frost, wind, and excessive rain, improving crop resilience and overall field productivity.
Sustainable & profitable crop management
Integrating high tunnel greenhouses into soft fruit production enables growers to adopt more sustainable and controlled farming practices. By reducing chemical use, irrigation needs, and exposure to pests, growers can produce healthier crops with a smaller ecological footprint.
These improvements translate into faster ROI and greater long-term profitability. Harnois structures support both conventional and organic growers seeking to combine high agronomic performance with environmental responsibility. Learn more about our capabilities and services to see how we support your operation from design through to installation.
High Tunnel Greenhouse — TunnelPro Plus
The Recommended Model for Transitioning from Open-Field to Protected Soft Fruits Production
When it comes to soft fruits production, high tunnels are a proven solution to increase yield, extend the growing season, and reduce operational risks. The Harnois TunnelPro Plus offers the flexibility, ventilation, and structural protection that berry growers need — whether for seasonal or intensive production.
Designed for performance and cost-efficiency, this structure is ideal for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and other delicate crops grown in open-field conditions. It installs on screw piles with no concrete required, includes roll-up side ventilation, and is compatible with integrated drip or fertigation irrigation systems.
Learn more about our high tunnel greenhouse model →
Looking for a year-round or multi-crop solution? Explore our freestanding greenhouses and gutter-connected greenhouse options for heated, four-season production.
FAQ on greenhouses for open-field & soft fruits production
Can I grow strawberries year-round in a greenhouse?
High tunnels allow you to start production earlier in the spring and extend it well into the fall, even in colder regions. For full year-round production, a heated and insulated structure — such as a gutter-connected greenhouse — may be required. High tunnels remain the most cost-effective option for three-season growing.
What is the best type of greenhouse for raspberries?
High tunnels are often preferred for raspberries because they offer good ventilation and are compatible with trellising systems. They provide essential protection against rain and disease without creating excess humidity. The TunnelPro Plus, with its wide arch spacing and roll-up ventilation, is specifically designed for this crop profile.
Do I need a permit for installing a field tunnel?
This depends on local regulations and the size of the structure. In most cases, small seasonal tunnels are exempt; however, it is essential to check with your local municipality. Our project team can guide you through local requirements as part of our turnkey service.
How do high tunnels improve soft fruits quality?
By protecting crops from rain, wind, and temperature extremes, high tunnels reduce physical damage and fungal pressure. This results in cleaner, more uniform fruits with better shelf life and fewer post-harvest losses.
Are Harnois high tunnel greenhouses suitable for organic production?
Yes. Organic growers widely use our structures for berries and vegetables, as they support pest exclusion, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and are compatible with organic certification standards. Browse our greenhouse projects for real-world examples.