TRANSITION GRANT IN ACTION
TROPICAL ORCHID PRODUCTION AT GEREMIA GREENHOUSE
Geremia Greenhouse is a family owned and operated wholesale greenhouse facility in Wallingford, CT. Over the years, the business has grown to encompass 10
acres and is proud to be one of the most modern and environmentally friendly greenhouses in the Northeast. Current production includes more than 500 varieties of annual plants and seasonal items, such as poinsettias, mums, and tropical orchids.
In 2020, Geremia Greenhouse applied to the Farm Transition Grant program looking to increase their production capacity for tropical orchids. Project components included constructing a 9,500 sq. ft.-controlled environment greenhouse, outfitting the greenhouse with a fog system to keep humidity levels optimal, new LED lighting, greenhouse benches, and a heat retention/shade curtain system.
Increasing production of tropical orchids has enabled Geremia to meet demand in a lucrative market that is uninhibited by local marketplace competition. Joe Geremia, owner, says, “Customer demand for exotic plants, such as the orchids, had grown beyond our capacity to meet their needs. Our increased orchid production and sales have been able to fill a niche for the domestic production of tropical orchids.”
Are you a producer or agricultural cooperative looking to expand, transition, diversify, or innovate your operation? The 2023 Farm Transition Grant informational guidance and application are now available.
As a whole, the United State produces only about 6% of the world's supply of tropical orchids. Geremia says, “This project has helped sustain and promote CT agriculture because it will promote the CT Grown brand as one that uniquely incorporates production of quality tropical orchids in the national market.”
The FTG is a competitive matching reimbursement grant for Connecticut agricultural producers and agricultural cooperatives. The Farm Transition Grant is provided through the State of Connecticut Farm Transition Grant Program, established in 2005 through Public Act 05-228, An Act Concerning Farmland Preservation, Land Protection, Affordable Housing, and Historic Preservation.