For over 30 years, Les Fraises de l’île d’Orléans inc. has been one of the most iconic producers of strawberries and raspberries in Quebec. Located on an island renowned for its fertile soil and ideal climate for berry production, the family-owned farm is known for the quality, freshness, and flavor of its fruit.
To further secure its harvests against weather extremes and extend the production season, the farm turned to Harnois and opted for the TunnelPro Plus high tunnel greenhouse, specially designed for strawberry and raspberry cultivation.
Choosing the right greenhouse for berry production
To support their ambitious growth strategy, the berry producer, located in Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Quebec, invested in a complex of 24 high tunnel greenhouses, each measuring 28 feet wide by 220 feet long. This large-scale setup provides over 145,000 square feet of protected berry production, a game changer in terms of volume, protection, and season extension.
For this project, the client used our previous version of theTunnelPro model is perfectly suited for field-scale strawberry and raspberry cultivation, offering:
- A robust steel frame
- Wide clearspan interiors to accommodate row crops and harvesting equipment
- Polyethylene covering optimized for light transmission and durability
- Configurable irrigation drip system, openings and ventilation to maintain crop health
- Adaptability to diverse terrain and drainage conditions
By investing in a network of multiple tunnels, the farm gained not only additional surface area but also the flexibility to segment production by crop stage or variety, thereby improving operational efficiency and harvest planning.
Why Les Fraises de l’Île d’Orléans chose Harnois Greenhouses
As one of Quebec’s leading berry producers, Les Fraises de l’Île d’Orléans required more than a simple growing structure. They needed a trusted partner capable of delivering a large-scale greenhouse solution.
They chose Harnois Greenhouses for:
- It’s proven experience with berry growers and high tunnel design
- The ability to manage complex projects with a high volume of structures
- A solid reputation across North America’s agricultural community
Thanks to Harnois’ team, the entire project, from design to installation, was executed with precision, allowing the farm to focus on what it does best: growing premium-quality berries for Quebecers available from mid-June to the first frost.
Benefits for berry operations
Les Fraises de l’Île d’Orléans now operates a 24 high tunnel greenhouse complex allowing them the production of berries (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry) from mid-June to the first frost.
Since the installation of the TunnelPro, Les Fraises de l’Île d’Orléans has observed:
- Earlier planting and harvesting, thanks to protection from spring cold nights
- Improved fruit quality, with fewer losses from rain, mold, or pests
- Extended marketing window, enabling delivery of fresh strawberries and raspberries in Quebec, Maritimes, Ontario and Eastern United states
- Better labor planning, due to more predictable crop development
- Enhanced customer satisfaction, with consistently high-quality produce
This high tunnel greenhouse model offers a flexible and scalable option that supports the farm’s commercial objectives while preserving the unique character of their berries.
About Harnois Greenhouses
Harnois Greenhouses is a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality greenhouse structures, supporting berry growers’ performance across Quebec and beyond.
As a local partner rooted in Quebec’s agriculture ecosystem, we specialize in high tunnel greenhouses tailored for strawberry, raspberry or even blackberry production. Our structures can withstand severe weather conditions while maximizing light, space, and climate control efficiency, making them ideal for commercial growers seeking durability, scalability, and local support.
About Les Fraises de l’Île d’Orléans inc.
Founded in 1979, Les Fraises de l’Île d’Orléans inc. (FIO) is a leader in agricultural innovation, developing R&D partnerships with public and private institutions on breeding, sustainable farming, protected cultivation, and integrated pest management. With a main site in Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île d’Orléans, FIO grows strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries using efficient, eco-friendly systems such as underground piping and drip irrigation.
FIO is even pushing the boundaries of strawberry production be partnering with QScale, a data center. They will be using the heat of the data center to heat the greenhouse.