Tracey Herrera

Background

About Tracey Herrera

The Villages Grown™ (‘TVG’) is a vertically integrated, 84-acre, Controlled Environment Agriculture (‘CEA’), year-round, produce growing operation located in Central FL. TVG is comprised of technologically advanced (‘clean-tech’) vertical greenhouses (primarily hydroponics and aeroponics), a clean-tech processing center, local farm network aggregation division, hyper-local distribution fleet and wholesale and retail outlets that are all supported by medical culinary wellness programs. We grow a variety of NON-GMO, pesticide-free, chemical-free crops including microgreens, lettuces, cucumbers and tomatoes. We grow 365-days a year with consistent nutrient density, taste, look, size and feel. This multi-phased project is one of the largest local food system operations of its kind in the U.S. yielding over 6 million pounds of produce in its first year, while doubling with future expansions. The company focuses on nutrient-dense food offerings with a ‘food-as-medicine’ approach to health and wellness. TVG leads with Global GAP compliance for the utmost in Food Safety protocols and processes. We have our own in-house distribution fleet to promote a hyper-local food system while focusing on delivering product within a 2 to 48-hour window upon harvest which not only ensures that the product’s vital nutrients are at optimal peak nutrition, but also that the product’s shelf-life is 2 to 3 times longer. The Villages Grown is located in The Villages, Florida, America’s premier Active Adult Retirement Community, and ensures that the approximately residents and employees achieve optimal health through hyper-local food access and educational wellness programs. The Villages Grown produce is also distributed within the Central FL community including food service establishments, hospital networks, healthcare facilities, restaurants, resorts & hotels, schools, and select retailers.