Growing Under Glass: Abbotsford’s Flourishing Greenhouse Industry
With innovation, sustainability, and food security at its core, Abbotsford’s greenhouse sector is growing fast and feeding more people than ever. Let's talk about it.
Jenny Holly Hansen
By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 4, 2025
Abbotsford, nestled in British Columbia’s agriculturally rich Fraser Valley, is well known for its rolling fields and heritage farms. But alongside its traditional crops, another quiet revolution is thriving — greenhouse agriculture. With innovation, sustainability, and food security at its core, Abbotsford’s greenhouse sector is growing fast and feeding more people than ever.
A Climate for Innovation
Greenhouse farming has taken root in Abbotsford for good reason. The region’s mild climate and access to abundant water and power make it ideal for controlled-environment agriculture. In greenhouses, growers can produce food year-round, protect crops from unpredictable weather, and dramatically increase yield per square foot compared to open-field farming.
Abbotsford’s greenhouse sector includes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, microgreens, herbs, and even specialty crops like strawberries and eggplant. Many operations have adopted hydroponics and vertical growing systems to conserve water and increase efficiency — aligning with the region’s broader goals for sustainable agriculture.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
Modern greenhouses in Abbotsford are often outfitted with high-tech solutions like automated climate controls, LED lighting systems, and advanced irrigation networks. These innovations reduce the reliance on pesticides, minimize waste, and make it possible to deliver fresh, local produce to grocery stores, markets, and restaurants throughout the Lower Mainland — even in the middle of winter.
Local growers are also experimenting with clean energy options, like biomass heating and solar integration, to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The city and province have supported these efforts through grants and partnerships aimed at making food production more resilient and eco-conscious.
Economic and Community Impact
Greenhouse agriculture is a significant economic driver for Abbotsford. It provides steady, year-round employment, supports secondary industries like packaging, logistics, and equipment maintenance, and contributes to the city’s reputation as an agricultural powerhouse.
For many local families, these operations are multigenerational. What began as small backyard ventures have expanded into state-of-the-art facilities producing thousands of pounds of food each week. This continuity not only preserves a sense of farming heritage — it ensures that Abbotsford remains at the forefront of food innovation.
Looking Ahead: Food Security and Future Growth
As global food systems face increasing pressure from climate change and geopolitical instability, Abbotsford’s greenhouse growers offer a powerful local solution. The ability to produce fresh food in a stable, protected environment gives the community a measure of independence from supply chain disruptions.
Investments in research, worker training, and infrastructure will only enhance this role moving forward. From public-private partnerships to youth mentorship programs in agriculture, the city is positioning itself as a leader in modern food production.
Final Thoughts
Abbotsford may be steeped in agricultural tradition, but its greenhouse industry tells a story of forward-thinking resilience. From high-efficiency tomato vines to hydroponic greens, what grows in these glass walls is not just produce — it’s a vision for the future of food.
Let’s Keep Talking:
Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.
She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.
She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/. Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social
Let’s Meet Up:
Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4
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