Ground broke in early June on the $42 million project, Village Farms' fifth greenhouse in Texas. It will be based on the company's proprietary GATES technology, and is expected to begin production in early 2012. Phase one will incorporate a 30-acre production greenhouse, in addition to various other service buildings, including an advanced technology packing, sorting and distribution facility. It will initially employ 80 to 100 people.

The Monahans greenhouse will employ a hydroponic growing system focused on water conservation, land preservation, food safety, integrated pest management and overall carbon footprint reduction. In addition, the Monahans greenhouse will receive a portion of its electricity needs from renewable wind power, and will be among the first greenhouses in North America to use diffused roof glass capable of increasing yields over conventional clear glass.

This will be the 12th greenhouse the company has developed, built, acquired or operated over the past 22 years, including projects in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and Texas.