Backyard Farms
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Madison , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Tomatoes (vine-ripened), planned expansion to peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, herbs, strawberries |
| Owner | Mastronardi Produce (since June 2017) |
Backyard Farms is an agricultural enterprise located in Madison, Maine, focusing on extensive greenhouse operations dedicated to cultivating vine-ripened tomatoes. Initially under the ownership of Devonshire Investors, a Boston-based division of Fidelity Investments, the company was acquired in June 2017 by Mastronardi Produce, a Canadian produce firm headquartered in Ontario.
History
Established in 2004, Backyard Farms constructed its inaugural greenhouse in Madison by 2007. This structure, notable for being the state’s largest by volume, spans an area comparable to 20 football fields. Inside, approximately 240,000 plants grow to heights reaching 10 feet, with a weekly production estimated at around one million tomatoes. In 2009, a second adjoining greenhouse was introduced, increasing the total cultivation space significantly. The plants thrive in rock wool substrates and rely on bumblebees housed within the greenhouses for pollination. Additionally, rainwater collected from the roofs is reused to support irrigation needs.
The company initially focused on growing a unique tomato cultivar named "Backyard Beauty," which was eventually replaced with other proprietary varieties. Future plans included expanding their crop range to encompass peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, herbs, and strawberries.