Life is constantly happening while we are mapping out plans. Yet, in the sea of chaos, it is in controlling our actions where we can weigh anchor.
In fact, there is an entire sector of our industry—arguably one of the more chaotic vocations one can choose—that has centered itself on seeking and cultivating what can be controlled.
“At Mucci Farms, we believe controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) is the present and future of farming. It plays a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of these challenges by providing consistent and reliable supply, regardless of external conditions,” Joe Spano, Managing Partner and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, reflects. “In an economy still feeling the effects of inflation and rising living costs, ensuring a steady, year-round supply of fresh, high-quality produce is more important than ever.”
With a strategy centered on expanding and optimizing production, Joe tells me it is a balance to address these demands while prioritizing affordability, reliability, and quality for retail partners and consumers alike.
“When we look at the global supply landscape, two key factors stand out as our primary areas of focus: The first is maximizing local and regional production to improve quality by reducing food miles, with the goal of eventually being within a day’s travel to anywhere on the continent,” he shares.
“The times when consistency is needed the most are when it is often the hardest to find. We are constantly striving to close that gap and ensure that, regardless of external factors, necessary fresh food remains accessible for buyers and their customers.”
Joe Spano, Managing Partner and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mucci Farms
This approach minimizes shrink’s volume, but also ensures better flavor and freshness. With consumers ready to forge or break loyal bonds based on a single experience, every bite counts in an increasingly complex market.
“Additionally, consumers can feel good knowing that the products they purchase support local communities along the supply chain, from farms to retail and everything in between,” Joe points out. “Reducing travel distances also helps maintain the quality of delicate products, which can sometimes be affected during transportation.”
The second major factor is a tale as old as our time in farming: The impact of unpredictable weather events—which has always been and remains one of the most significant challenges in agriculture—is one Mucci Farms is actively working to mitigate.
“Hurricanes, tropical storms, and other weather disruptions not only affect production for farmers, they increase demand and raise prices for essential items that consumers rely on,” he reminds me. “The times when consistency is needed the most are when it is often the hardest to find. We are constantly striving to close that gap and ensure that, regardless of external factors, necessary fresh food remains accessible for buyers and their customers.”
To accomplish such a feat, Mucci Farms has seen remarkable growth over the past year, operationally and geographically. In particular, two significant acquisitions ensured 2025 began on a strong note for the grower as it sought to gain more ground.
“Hacienda Farms, a 160-acre bell pepper facility, and Greenhill Produce, a 150-acre bell pepper operation, were welcome additions to our resources. Additionally, we grew our strawberry production with a 33-acre expansion to our existing 72-acre greenhouse, now totaling 105 acres under one roof,” Stephen Cowan, Senior Director of Sales, details. “This growth has been fueled by several key factors. Addressing growing concerns around disease pressures, we’ve prioritized surety of supply for our retail partners while enhancing our ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing demands of the market. These strategic investments ensure we maintain better control over production and continue to effectively meet the needs of our partners and consumers.”
Success tastes best when shared. It’s a philosophy Mucci takes beyond day-to-day transactions to industry partnerships like that of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA). Marking a century of representing and advocating for the country’s fresh industry, CPMA’s annual trade show is an event Mucci, along with many others, is counting down to.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 100th anniversary of CPMA this year in Montreal,” Stephen says. “As a proud Canadian company, this milestone feels especially significant, and we take great pride in being part of such an important event for the produce industry. CPMA is always a highlight for our team, and this year, as we do every year, we’re enhancing our presence with the sponsorship of the relaxation lounge, named the Recap lounge, which will reflect the celebration of the achievements in our local produce industry over the past century.”
For attendees visiting Mucci Farms, there will be a special focus on the company’s stellar snacking line—one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 100th anniversary of CPMA this year in Montreal. As a proud Canadian company, this milestone feels especially significant, and we take great pride in being part of such an important event for the produce industry.”
Stephen Cowan, Senior Director of Sales, Mucci Farms
“We’re excited to showcase a range of new products, which highlight the premium flavor and versatility of our assortment. It’s a great opportunity to see how we’re continuing to innovate and meet evolving consumer preferences,” Stephen assures me.
As change continues to disrupt all our careful plans, finding comfort in what we can control has seen the industry through every challenge Mother Nature offers.
Even if it means building a few glass walls to see what we are capable of. 
