Those tomato slices on your sandwich aren't just a garnish; they're actually pretty big business. Florida is one of the top producers of hydroponically grown tomatoes (i.e. those grown in a soil-less greenhouse, not on a farm).
As a reflection of that status, North America's second-biggest producer of hydroponically raised produce has secured some commercial real estate in Lake Mary and will be relocating its U.S. headquarters there from their current site in New Jersey.
In economic terms, the planned expansion of Village Farms International, Inc.'s existing operation in Seminole County is very good news. The company will spend about $140,000 making its current Lake Mary office bigger and will be bringing at least 21 jobs, each with a salary around the $90,000 mark, to the region.
The company will get $117,600 in tax breaks from the state of Florida and $29, 400 from Seminole County.
A spokesman for the company, which is based in Vancouver, said it is excited about its move to Seminole County and plans to grow "a great deal" over the next three years.
When a company such as Village Farms International is growing, its need for new real estate is just that -- a need rather than just a desire or an interest. If acceptable real estate cannot be located or secured, than the business' growth and expansion plans will suffer as a result. That is why having a sharp attorney who knows real estate law help you with such plans is often a very good idea.
Source: The Orlando Sentinel, "Large hydroponic-vegetable grower moving executive offices to Lake Mary," June 27, 2012
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