i would like to know the costs of growing severaly acres plants in a
commercial hot houses (a.k.a. green houses)in north america, and the
contact information of those hot houses.

Hello kedrene1-ga,

It is amazing how much information is available on the web on starting
and operating a commercial greenhouse. Various government agencies at
national and state/province level provide excellent resources and
current statistical information. Many agricultural universities also
offer a great deal of help through their programs and frequently host
agricultural extension services. You didn?t say where you want to
start your greenhouse but whatever your location, you should contact
the government and university services available where you are.

Regardless of your location, the information I?ve collected should
make it possible for you to review all aspects of starting and
operating a greenhouse business. Be sure to review the financial
advice documents I?ve found to help you answer your questions about
the costs associated with running a greenhouse.

I trust that this information will meet your needs. Please don?t
hesitate to ask for clarification if any of this is confusing.

I wish you well for your new business.

~ czh ~



=========================================================
HOW TO START AND OPERATE A COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE BUSINESS
=========================================================

http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~horteng/FactSheets/KSU.pdf
Starting a Greenhouse Business ? A Commercial Grower?s Guide
Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University

***** This is a 20-page document that gives you an excellent overview
of all aspects of starting and running a commercial greenhouse
business.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/facts/greenbus.htm
Starting a Commercial Greenhouse Business
Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Introduction
Success in the greenhouse business requires a well-defined market, a
good location, significant capital dollars, a well-planned production
system, people skills and experience in dealing with the "mechanical"
necessities of the business.

Table of Contents
1)   Introduction
2)   Identify your Market
3)   Location
4)   Capital
5)   Production Systems
6)   Vegetables
7)   Flowers
8)   Summary
9)   References
10) Reference Books

***** This is an excellent short document that will give you a good
overview of what it takes to start and operate a commercial
greenhouse. The sections on References and Reference Books give you
additional avenues to continue your explorations.

-------------------------------------------------


http://flowers.hort.purdue.edu/web/GHguides.htm
Greenhouse Management Guidesheets 
Purdue University Floriculture Extension

***** This is an outstanding collection of links covering all topics
related to starting and operating a greenhouse business. See
especially the sections on Greenhouse Management ? General and
Greenhouse - Starting a GH Business. NOTE: Many other agricultural
colleges/universities offer similar services. See the directories and
portals below to identify additional resources.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publications/PDFs/FS631.pdf
Use of Enterprise Budgets in the Greenhouse Industry

When greenhouse operations fail, it is usually due to business
mistakes, not a lack of technical skill. Greenhouse bench space is a
valuable resource and only those crops that pay their way should
occupy this space. Therefore, it is vital that a manager know which
crops are profitable and which are not. An enterprise budget for
individual greenhouse crops will determine each crop?s contribution to
profit. This fact sheet describes the preparation and use of this
financial tool.

***** This is an excellent 14-page document prepared by the University
of Maryland Cooperative Extension that provides excellent guidance on
cost issues in greenhouse management.


==============================
COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY
==============================

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/bdv6477?opendocument
Greenhouse Industry Profile 2003
Agriculture, Food and Development -- Government of Alberta, Canada

***** This is an excellent overview of the greenhouse industry in one
Canadian province. It covers the size of the industry, what is grown,
costs and pricing, and current trends. It also offers links to similar
documents that are available for other provinces as well as government
assistance and industry associations.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4369?opendocument
The Economics of Production and Marketing of Greenhouse Crops in Alberta

Introduction
The greenhouse industry in Alberta has gone through several
adjustments, therefore, the need was felt to develop costs and returns
based on current conditions so the industry can change accordingly.
Because of changing economic conditions, previously compiled
information on the greenhouse industry in the late eighties had become
more or less obsolete. The cost of natural gas, electricity and other
greenhouse supplies became major concerns during the fall of 2000 and
early 2001. This study based on actual costs and returns from forty
greenhouse operators across the province, provides more current data
on costs and returns for major greenhouse crops. Full text of the 49
page report is available in pdf format.

***** Although this document covers a specific location the sections
on Costs and Returns will help you evaluate your own plans for getting
into the greenhouse business.


===========================================================
COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSES ? PORTALS, DIRECTORIES, ASSOCIATIONS
===========================================================

http://www.utextension.utk.edu/hbin/index.htm
Horticultural Business Information Network

http://www.utextension.utk.edu/hbin/HBIN-Greenhouse.htm
Greenhouse Firms

***** This is a great place to start for further exploration. This
site offers lots of financial information about the greenhouse
industry along with resources for Establishing a Greenhouse Business,
Determining Costs of Production, Risk Management for Specialty Crops,
Software for Greenhouse Growers and E-commerce applications in the
green industry.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.greenhouse-bbs.com/bbs/
"Putting greenhouse Growers, Suppliers, Buyers and Researchers online"
 -- Tradeshow Floor 
 -- Directory/Profile Listings
 -- Greenhouse Classifieds

***** All of the main topic areas lead you to a large selection of resources. 

-------------------------------------------------


http://res2.agr.ca/harrow/index_e.htm
Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Centre

The Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Centre (GPCRC), located
at Harrow, Ontario, is part of a national network of 19 research
centres of Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada. The Centre develops and
transfers new technologies for production of greenhouse vegetables
(tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers), field-grown processing vegetables,
soybeans, and edible beans.

***** This is an excellent resource for reviewing the Canadian
commercial greenhouse industry.

http://res2.agr.ca/harrow/publications/Introduction_e.htm
Introduction to the Greenhouse Industry

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.waltersgardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=resources.links&cat_id=3
Books, Links and Organizations

-------------------------------------------------


http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Business_to_Business/Agriculture/Horticulture/Greenhouses/
Directory > Business and Economy > Business to Business > Agriculture
> Horticulture > Greenhouses
B2B > Greenhouses

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.agga.ca/
Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association


========================================================
COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSES ? BOOKS, REFERENCES, PUBLICATIONS
========================================================

http://www.greenhousebiz.com/
Greenhouse Business

There is no subscription charge for qualified industry growers.
Non-qualified subscription rates in the U.S. and Canada are $50 per
year (foreign rates are $100, payable in U.S. currency).

***** This is the online portal site for the magazine. It offers you a
wealth of resources about vendors, trends, news, trade shows, and
products in the industry.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.greenbeam.com/
GM Pro ? Greenhouse Management & Production
The magazine for the greenhouse growing professional

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0827373112/ref=ase_internationalgre/104-1200570-0943914?v=glance&s=books
The Commercial Greenhouse

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0130105775/ref=pd_sim_books_1/104-1200570-0943914?v=glance&s=books
Greenhouse Operation and Management (6th Edition)

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0849316987/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/104-1200570-0943914
Greenhouses: Advanced Technology for Protected Horticulture

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0962867802/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/104-1200570-0943914?v=glance&s=books
Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business : A Complete Guide to
Starting and Operating A High-Profit Organic or Hydroponic Business
That Benefits the Environment

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.nraes.org/publications/greenhouse.html
Greenhouse Publications Menu:



===============
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============

commercial greenhouses
commercial greenhouse business
commercial greenhouse industry
commercial greenhouse industry costs

---

Request for Answer Clarification by kedrene1-ga on 21 Nov 2003 18:46 PST

I dont want to start a green house, i want to know what it would cost
to lease the use of some other companies green house.  i have no
desire to build my own greenhouse,  this is not intended to be a
business it self i intend to have someone else operate the green house
and grow plants for me, in a greenhouse they own. i would like to know
the prices of what this would cost to lease a greenhouse from another
company.  in the amount of several acres.  i would like more info on
us companies who do this aswell, not just canadian companies.  The
information i want is the cost of having some other company grow (for
me in a greenhouse)the seeds i give them.

---

Clarification of Answer by czh-ga on 21 Nov 2003 19:53 PST

Hello kedrene1-ga,

Many of the links I gave you discuss the costs of operating a
greenhouse and how to figure out what various crops would cost. I gave
you links to many different locations because the cost of operations
vary by geography and crop grown. Your original question didn't say
anything about wanting to lease a greenhouse from someone else.

I will do some more checking around to get you the added informations
you're looking for but since there are many variables I need you to
clarify what you're planning to do.

What locations are you considering for your greenhouse? North America
is a lot of territory. You say you will furnish the seeds. What kinds
of plants do you want to grow? What do you plan to do with the crop?
Are you going to handle the sales? You say you're interested in
several acres. How many? The more information you can share, the more
likely I can get you the additional information that you're looking
for. Thanks.

~ czh ~

---

Request for Answer Clarification by kedrene1-ga on 24 Nov 2003 10:22 PST

I would like to grow a plant called Hoodia gordonii, it is south
african,and i need to replicate the soil and growing environment of
south africa. i.e. moderate temperatures, no temperatures below 35
degrees F., sandy soil, small amounts of water, shaded sun light.  i
need to grow 5 acres initialy.  I am not concerned with where in the
U.S. to grow, i would like to grow for the least amount of money, but
talent of the growers is a consideration aswell.  I also need the
plant to be dried after it is grown.  My company will handle all sales
and marketing.
thank you,
Kedric Van de Carr

---

Clarification of Answer by czh-ga on 24 Nov 2003 16:24 PST

Hello Kedric Van de Carr,

I conducted additional research to extend the answer to your question
to cover the goals stated in your clarification request.

Hoodia Gordonii is a high-profile plant that has gotten a lot of
attention in the past few years. I found quite a few people looking to
buy it or offering to sell it, but always in small quantities. Growing
it on the scale you contemplate may be difficult. I found one
reference showing that ?Hoodia gordonii require more root run than
most growers are able to give, and hence seldom flower in
cultivation.? The research also shows that Phytopharm has the rights
to the development of pharmaceuticals from this plant but there are a
variety of diet pills and supplements that are based on the Hoodia
Gordonii. It seems that you may have to explore the viability of
cultivating this plant on the scale that you envision and that there
also may be some legal implications on using the plant.

Finding contract greenhouse growers was much tougher than I expected.
I?ve found you some possible contacts but the unusual crop you want to
grow may make it difficult to find a good source. I suggest that in
addition to the resources I?ve included here, you refer back to the
greenhouse resources I furnished in my original answer. Going through
some of the extension programs might be your best bet on finding
someone you could work with on growing this very specialized crop.

This was a very interesting search when taken beyond the original
question. I trust that the resources I?ve found will help you find a
greenhouse that can meet your needs.

Best wishes for your new enterprise.

~ czh ~


===========================
GREENHOUSE CONTRACT GROWERS
===========================

http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/02/Dec02/120302/02D-0324.htm
MolecularFarming.com 

We would like to make the FDA aware that there is a global service for
introducing Molecular Farming Biopharmaceutical companies to potential
contract growers, with the stated aim of Environmental Safety. We at
Molecularfarming.com have a global database of farmers and greenhouse
owners who have stated a wish to become contract growers for new
non-food molecular crops.

http://www.molecularfarming.com/about.html

Medical Molecular Farming is the growing and harvesting of genetically
engineered crops of transgenic plants, with the object of producing
biopharmaceuticals [ sometimes called 'farmaceuticals' ]. The idea is
to use these molecular crops as biological factories to generate drugs
difficult or expensive to produce in any other way.

This is our mission, - To inform you, the public, farmers and students
about a better, healthier World through safe, environmentally
friendly, properly regulated and controlled, Molecular Farming..
By providing a method, through the Database, for Biopharmaceutical
companies to contact you, the contract growers, farmers and greenhouse
owners, we will assist this globally.

http://www.molecularfarming.com/database.html
We will act as "source", matching land, greenhouses, locations and /
or farmers to Pharmaceutical Companies in their Country, or another
where more suitable conditions may exist, either for growing,
'biofarming', 'pharming' or {bio}processing.

http://www.molecularfarming.com/stats.html
THE WORLDWIDE MOLECULAR FARMING DATABASE { started mid Feb.02 }
Location details below are supplied by potential growers.

***** Although your product (Hoodia gordonii) is not strictly a
?molecular plant? within the definition of this organization it seems
to me that the goals and uses of the product fit well with the mission
of this organization and their database may be a good source for
connecting with a contract greenhouse grower. In addition, contacting
their director may help you with finding a suitable vendor even if one
is not already listed on the website.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.tbwg.org/Members.htm\
TAMPA BAY WHOLESALE GROWERS
82 Nurseries Producing Florida's Finest Plants

***** Several list availability for contract growing.

-------------------------------------------------

http://dir.jayde.com/75811.html
Home > Retail_Industry > Home_And_Garden > Plants > Tropicals_And_Exotics
Tropicals And Exotics

***** Many of these vendors are capable of meeting your needs. One
specifically shows contract growing.

http://dir.jayde.com/profile10618698.html
About Bentley Tropicals Nursery 
Wholesale tropical nursery. Landscape design and installation.
Seedling propagation and contract growing....


-------------------------------------------------

http://www.bentleytropicals.com/index.htm
Bentley Tropicals and More

We are happy to talk with you about your special projects.  If you
would like us to propagate and contract grow your seedlings, give us a
call.  Just tell us what you need...from contract growing, landscape
design and installation, or whatever you have in mind.

-------------------------------------------------

Nursery & Greenhouse Production
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

***** This site offers a huge collection of links that should help you
find a suitable contract greenhouse grower.


==============================
HOODIA GORDONII -- CULTIVATION
==============================

http://www.ghostseekers.com/Conversions.htm
Land Measurement Conversion Guide
1 Acre = 43,560 square feet (5 acres = 217 800 square feet)

---------------------------------------------------


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/chris.moore30444/Notes_Gomphocarpus-Hoodia-Hoya.htm
Hoodia Sweet ex Decaisne

The genus is named for a Mr. Hood who was a succulent plant grower in
England circa 1830. Distribution is in Angola, Namibia, Botswana,
Zimbabwe and South Africa. Basally branched, often woody, spiny stem
succulents.  Stems usually erect but rarely procumbent, from 0.3 to
2.2metres in length.  Relatively easy in cultivation, they require a
well drained compost and a minimum 10°C winter temperature.  The
smaller growing species will readily flower in cultivation, whilst the
larger species such as Hoodia gordonii require more root run than most
growers are able to give, and hence seldom flower in cultivation.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.theplantmart.com/bbs/posts/1514.html
Posted by Trish Flaster ® , Nov 30,2001
I am looking for anyone growing Hoodia species in the US.

***** This is a long discussion thread with up-to-date postings.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Asclepiadaceae/Hoodia_gordonii.html
Hoodia gordonii

-------------------------------------------------------

http://www.hoodia-gordonii-succulent.com/
Hoodia gordonii  

This is the hoodia gordonii diet plant discussed on Four Corners (TV
program in Australia) on 25th of August 2003
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners
The Anti-Fat Pill and the Bushmen  
Grow it yourself before it becomes depleted in its natural habitat. 

http://www.hoodia-gordonii-succulent.com/hoodia_seeds.htm
Hoodia gordonii Seeds
These extremely rare succulent seeds are very difficult to come by. 
A packet of 10 seeds was auctioned on eBay for $69. 
last updated: 

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.succulents.net/forum/messages/163.html
Looking for Hoodia Gordonii

Posted by Nikki on February 06, 2003 at 01:42:47: 
I'm looking for Hoodia Gordonii plants to be shipped to California.
Can anyone help?



====================================
HOODIA GORDONII ? RIGHTS AND PATENTS
====================================

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0KGJ/32_8/106585370/p1/article.jhtml
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0KGJ/32_7/94225138/p1/article.jhtml

Phytopharm gets obesity drug back from Pfizer, seeks partner.
BioWorld International, August 6, 2003, by Nuala Moran
LONDON -- Phytopharm plc fell victim to the fallout from Pfizer Inc.'s
$66 billion acquisition of Pharmacia Corp., as Pfizer dropped
development of P57, an obesity treatment based on a plant extract
discovered by Phytopharm.

Phytopharm, based in Godmanchester, UK, has another obesity product,
P64, based on semisynthetic analogues of P57, an extract of a South
African plant called hoodia. The P57 program also includes other
semisynthetics. The two programs will now be amalgamated as Phytopharm
seeks a worldwide licensing deal.

-------------------------------------------------

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2161194.stm
30 July, 2002
Kalahari cactus boosts UK drug firm

An anti-obesity drug made from a Kalahari desert cactus is a step
closer to reality after its developer, UK drug company Phytopharm,
signed a fresh deal with US giant Pfizer.

The deal means Pfizer will take development of the drug, called P57,
inhouse, and will aim for key clinical tests by 2003.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.bioharmony.co.za/Articles_PerfectingPotencyEssenceTraditionalAfricanHerbs.htm
PERFECTING THE POTENCY AND ESSENCE OF TRADITIONAL AFRICAN HERBS

With respect to Patent protection issue - even though the patent
apparently only covers the P57 complex of molecules, it is clear that
Pfizer wishes to protect itself against any commercial onslaught. 
Pfizer?s court case against Vyotech's Thinphetamine®, containing the
dried plant is an example of the fierce protection of this
all-encompassing patent.   Scientists say the appeitite suppressant
developed by Pfizer could become a major force in the worldwide
slimming-preparation market which has an annual turnover of billions
of Rand.   South African Lawyer Roger Chennells, the attorney for the
Workgroup of Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA) fought
the case for the SAN people and on 24 April 2003, an agreement was
made with the CSIR whereby the CSIR will pay the San 8% of all
milestone payments it receives from Phytopharm as well as 6% of all
royalties received by the CSIR once the drug is commercially
available.


===========================
HOODIA GORDONII -- PRODUCTS
===========================

http://www.hoodiagordoniidietpills.com/cactus-gordonii-hoodia-info.htm
June 17, 2003
In Africa the Hoodia cactus keeps men alive. Now its secret is
'stolen' to make us thin

Pharmaceutical firms stand accused of once again plundering native
lore to make fortunes from natural remedies, writes Antony Barnett


http://www.megarx.com/hoodia.htm
Hoodia Diet Tabs - 

Hoodia cactus is an exciting nutritional supplement which is a part of
a safe stimulant free way to diet. Hoodia Cactus has been used by the
indigenous San bush people in South Africa as a natural appetite
suppressant for generations. The rediscovered extract from this
african cactus has been tested in clinical trials and discovered on
obese subjects to reduce caloric intake by 30% to 40%. Meaningful
weight loss can result from such a drop in daily caloric intake.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.weightlossguide.com/hoodia-gordonii-faq.htm
Frequently Asked Questions (Hoodoba? diet pills)

We've prepared answers to frequently asked questions about Hoodoba?
diet pills to help you make an informed decision because we know that
the more you learn about Hoodoba? the more you'll see why it is right
for you.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hoodia-wholesale.com/
The extracts of the Hoodia cactus, used by indigenous San 
bushmen in Southern Africa to stave off hunger during long
hunting trips, are now available for everyone to experience.

VitaSalveo's Hoodia Weight-Loss tablets contains, unlike other
products currently on the market, pure Hoodia Gordonnii extracts.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.b-and-t-world-seeds.com/19687.html
B & T World Seeds
Hoodia gordonii in profile




SEARCH STRATEGY

commercial greenhouse operators
greenhouse contract growers