Mar 24, 2025

New gutter system helps small growers expand strawberries

A new Canadian-made strawberry growing system is helping small-scale growers meet the demand for local produce.

The A.M.A. Strawberry Growing System, developed by A.M.A. Horticulture Inc. and Growtec, is a professional-grade gutter system designed for smaller berry operations. It allows growers to shift strawberry production from open fields to controlled environments like tunnels and greenhouses.

“Now more than ever, Canadians want locally grown strawberries year-round,” said Shawn Mallen, manager of hydroponics and berries at A.M.A. Horticulture. “Large Canadian greenhouse operations have risen to the challenge… But until now, only large-scale production systems were available for growers, creating a barrier to entry.”

The system is a do-it-yourself, tabletop gutter setup available in 92-inch segments, giving growers flexibility to scale their operations. It includes gutters, brackets, drainage and truss support and can be shipped across North America.

 Brian Zimmermann, Growtec director of sales, said the company has long supported North America’s strawberry market and saw the opportunity to collaborate on a solution for smaller growers.

By adapting commercial greenhouse technology for smaller operations, the system aims to help more growers produce high-quality strawberries throughout the year.