Whole Foods Local Producer Program Helps Microgreens Producer

APRIL 05, 2018

Whole Foods Market will award an $80,000 loan to Greenbelt Microgreens as part of the grocer's Local Producer Loan Program, which grants low-interest loans to growing local artisans, farmers, and producers.

Greenbelt Microgreens, a certified organic greenhouse grower of soil-based microgreens, grows year-round locally in British Columbia, Ontario and New York state, and plans to utilize the loan to expand its packing and cold storage space at its greenhouse in Maple Ridge, BC.

The organic microgreens, which include arugula, pea shoots, sunflowers, broccoli, and radishes, are early-stage vegetables that have a delicious flavor profile and a very high nutrient density because of their young age (10-14 days).

“Our commitment to local farms and artisan producers drives our ability to offer new and interesting products to our customers that are local to their region,” said Denise Breyley, local forager for the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. “These relationships give us the opportunity to seek out the best products, while also giving local farmers and food artisans the tools and guidance to help them grow their business.”  

Whole Foods Market North Vancouver, opening on April 26, will also feature a strong selection of local and regional products.  

Whole Foods Market is committed to the concept of fresh, healthy, local foods, and supporting both local products and the people who supply them. Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods Market’s quality standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. Typical loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and have fixed low-interest rates.    

Previous recipients have used their loans for purchasing more livestock, investing in new equipment, expanding production facilities, adapting to more sustainable practices or converting to organic production. The Greenbelt Microgreens loan will be the sixth for small business owners in British Columbia, for a total of over $400,000. Overall, more than $2 million has been distributed to recipients in the Pacific Northwest.