The Schenck family is announcing the launch of Niagara Propagators, a 17-acre, purpose-built propagation facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Scheduled to begin production in January 2026, the facility will focus on producing high-quality young cucumber, pepper, tomato, and eggplant plants for commercial greenhouse growers throughout Canada and the United States.
"This is a small industry where word travels fast. At trade shows and industry events, we kept hearing the same thing: growers looking for dependable propagation. We saw the need and felt confident that with our background and the right team, we could deliver a solution," says Matthew Schenck, a member of the Schenck family.
The Schenck family's decision to invest in a new propagation facility brings together over a century of farming experience. With five generations behind them, the family has long been embedded in the horticultural community and closely attuned to the evolving needs of the industry.
Building with the best in the business
To ensure the facility meets the highest standards of efficiency, sanitation, and environmental responsibility, the Schenck family has partnered with a number of industry leaders. Construction is being led by Prins Greenhouses, a team the family has worked with previously and trusts for their hands-on, thorough approach. Irrigation systems are being developed in partnership with Zwart Systems, a division of AdeptAg, whose extensive expertise in complex water systems has made them a natural fit for the project.
The facility will feature advanced flood floors and cisterns constructed by Tradewinds, chosen for their proven track record in precision floor systems. Electrical work is being managed by Verhoef Electric, a long-time collaborator with the Schenck family, who are also overseeing the installation of a hybrid supplemental lighting system developed in consultation with Signify. The climate control system will be run through Priva, which the family has used for years and whose reliability and efficiency are well understood through previous on-farm experience. On the ground, Degroot Laser Grading and Excavating has been instrumental from the very beginning, handling grading, trenching, and water management infrastructure with precision.
"Selecting partners was one of the most critical decisions in this build," says Bob Schenck, another family member. "We wanted trusted names, people who understand the unique needs of greenhouse construction and operations. We're fortunate to have such a strong team."
Challenges and coordination
As with any construction project of this scale, the process has not been without its hurdles. A particularly wet spring made for difficult early conditions, threatening to delay timelines. International tariffs on materials added complexity to procurement and budgeting, creating uncertainty around pricing and shipping. And with so many teams working simultaneously in a single area, maintaining alignment across the build requires constant communication.
"Coordinating this many moving pieces has been no small feat," Bob shares. "But through constant effort, collaboration, and clear communication, we've managed to execute on the project plan and continue to be on track."
Bringing growers the quality they deserve
Niagara Propagators aims to deliver healthy, uniform, and reliable young plants that give greenhouse growers a strong start. To that end, the Schenck family has brought on Andrew Heinen, a seasoned professional with more than 30 years in propagation. Andrew spent the last 13 years as Head Grower for one of the largest vegetable propagators in the world. His wealth of experience, combined with the Schenck family's legacy, creates a formidable team.
"Andrew's hands-on knowledge is invaluable," Lou Schenck says. "He understands not just the science of propagation, but also the practical realities growers face every day. That combination of technology, expert knowledge, and work ethic has always been at the core of the Schenck family business, and is exactly what we're developing at Niagara Propagators."
The facility's design emphasizes optimal plant health through advanced irrigation, environmental controls, and strict biosecurity measures. Rainwater will be collected and recycled through a closed-loop irrigation system, reducing environmental impact while ensuring consistent water quality. Supplemental lighting systems will provide uniform coverage throughout the grow area, helping plants develop strong, consistent growth regardless of outdoor conditions.
Creating a dynamic facility
Initially, Niagara Propagators will serve hydroponic growers of peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplants across North America. As the facility ramps up and demand is evaluated, the team is considering potential expansion into soft fruit propagation, including strawberries and raspberries.
"We're focused on quality-first growth. We want to make sure that whatever we offer, it meets the highest standards."
The launch of Niagara Propagators marks the latest development in a long-running involvement in greenhouse horticulture by the Schenck family. Drawing on generations of experience, the new facility is a response to ongoing demand for consistent, high-quality young plants within the industry.
"This project builds on what our family has learned over the years," Matt concludes. "We've taken that knowledge and applied it to a facility designed specifically for today's propagation standards."
For more information:
Schenck Farms
Matthew Schenck
[email protected]
www.schenckfarms.com
Niagara Propagators
[email protected]
www.linkedin.com/niagara-propagators