A Bold Step Toward Sustainable Food Autonomy: VegPro Unveils Vermax Glass Greenhouse in Sherrington
On April 30, 2025, VegPro International officially inaugurated its new 5.2-hectare Vermax glass greenhouse in Sherrington, Quebec—an ambitious, forward-looking project built in close collaboration with Harnois Greenhouses, a leading Canadian manufacturer of turnkey greenhouse solutions. This $135 million investment reflects a shared commitment to local food production, technological advancement, and sustainability.
This semi-enclosed Vermax glass greenhouse is among the largest of its kind in Canada. Designed specifically for year-round leafy green production, it enables VegPro to provide Quebec-grown lettuce 12 months a year, drastically reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the province’s food autonomy.
Carbon Neutrality and Water Efficiency Greenhouse
The facility was developed with a clear focus on carbon neutrality. Utilizing Harnois-patented energy optimization systems, the Vermax structure is engineered to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2,000 tonnes per year. These systems also translate into significant operational savings by lowering heating and energy costs—a critical advantage as energy prices continue to rise.
Innovative Glass Greenhouse Technology
In addition, the vermax glass greenhouse integrates advanced environmental technologies, including:
- Rain and snowwater harvesting
- Closed-loop water recirculation systems
- Precision climate control
Together, these systems allow the greenhouse to use up to 90% less water compared to conventional open-field lettuce farming. This environmental stewardship is particularly relevant as agriculture faces growing challenges related to water scarcity, climate change, and consumer demand for responsible practices.
Vermax Glass Greenhouse: Built for the Next Generation of Growers
The Sherrington facility is not just a technological showcase—it’s also a benchmark for operational efficiency. Equipped with automation-ready infrastructure, the structure can be adapted to integrate robotics and AI-driven monitoring systems in the future. Though the current facility appears sparsely staffed, VegPro is pursuing a progressive model where fewer but highly trained personnel manage increasingly automated processes, a necessity in today’s competitive labor market.
The structure itself reflects Harnois’ modular Vermax design, offering long spans without interior columns, flexible equipment integration, and excellent light transmission—ideal for maximizing lettuce yields while maintaining consistent quality.
Introducing a New Crunchier Lettuce
Beyond infrastructure, VegPro is innovating on the product side as well. The company is launching a new variety of crisp lettuce, designed to meet evolving consumer preferences. This new product will be grown exclusively in the Sherrington greenhouse and distributed under the Folia brand, with the first harvests expected to hit store shelves by fall 2025.
Harnois Greenhouses and VegPro partnership
“This project is a testament to VegPro International’s confidence in Harnois Greenhouses,” said Patrice Harnois, President of Harnois. “Together with our partner Growa, we’ve delivered a facility that sets a new standard for energy efficiency and agricultural sustainability in North America.”
Partners on this project:
The Vermax glass greenhouse’s development also highlights the value of local collaboration. From the design and engineering to the installation and integration, Quebec-based companies worked hand in hand to realize a world-class agricultural facility, further proving that global innovation can be homegrown.
A Model for North American Agriculture
As the agriculture sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while boosting productivity, this project stands out as a replicable model. It demonstrates how greenhouses can be leveraged not only to extend growing seasons but also to decarbonize food production, improve water efficiency, and shorten supply chains.
In a world where climate adaptation is no longer optional, the Sherrington Vermax glass greenhouse provides a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation meets vision. With operations now underway, Harnois Greenhouses and VegPro International are helping shape the future of agriculture—one crunchy, locally grown lettuce at a time.
In the media: Produce Grower