The Vermillion River that flows though Dauphin is known for its distinctive red-orange hue. And it was the inspiration for Vermillion Growers, a greenhouse facility in Manitoba’s Parkland region that spans more than 10 acres.
“The name came from the Vermillion River that runs through the edge of the property,” says managing director Maria Deschauer. “Vermillion is also a deep red colour, which walks hand-in-hand with our focus on tomato production.”
Vermillion Growers is currently in its second crop season. The first tomato crop was planted in September of 2023 inside the 17,000-square-foot facility.
“Coming into our third year of production we are aiming to grow close to 10 million pounds of tomatoes but this will only happen if we are very efficient and we don’t have any hiccups with the crop,” Deschauer explained.
Controlled growing agriculture allows for the perfect climate and environment for veggies to prosper, she says
“It also provides the opportunity to grow and harvest fresh tomatoes all winter long — when central Canada needs the fresh produce the most. Controlled environment agriculture is more efficient while using fewer inputs such as water and nutrients.”
With a management team of seven (six team members hailing from Manitoba), Vermillion Growers employs approximately 40 people.
Tomatoes on the Vine (or TOVs) and Romas are the varieties of choice at this greenhouse.
“What makes our tomatoes stand out is that they are allowed to ripen on the vine. This produces a much tastier tomato and one filled with nutrients,” she says.
Vermillion’s plan is to introduce other vegetables such as peppers and cucumbers and grow the facility to 30 acres over the next few years.
Deschauer says Dauphin was strategically chosen for logistical purposes.
“It’s within five hours of several major grocery store distribution centres located in Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. This means our tomatoes can get to market quickly. Additionally, Dauphin had the required infrastructure (electrical, gas, water) to support this venture. For our employees, the quality of life in Dauphin is excellent and the cost of living is less than larger urban centres.”
The cost of phase one was just under $42 million.
Deschauer says Manitoba’s Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit Program offered in partnership with the Province of Manitoba was instrumental in getting this project built and operational.
“Our fellow Manitobans stepped up and invested over $6.5 million into Vermillion Growers via this tax credit program, and this opportunity is still available for accredited investors.”
In Canada, the average person consumes about 14 kilograms of tomatoes annually. This includes juices, sauces and salsas.
Deschauer says the team at Vermillion Growers takes great pride in the product and that includes how it should be stored once in the hands of consumers.
“Tomatoes should be stored on your counter at room temperature until ready to eat and that is where the fun starts with endless culinary opportunities. Bite into a tomato like an apple for a juicy, messy culinary experience; slice the tomato and drizzle with oil and balsamic vinegar, create sauces and of course enjoy baked or grilled,” she says.
As for the debate “is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?”
“A tomato is a fruit by science and a vegetable by cuisine,” says Deschauer. “In my opinion it’s a fruit, but it works undercover in the vegetable aisle.”
