[Image: tomato]In 2007, 16 parishes reported having 26 farms commercially growing greenhouse vegetables in 3.2 acres of greenhouse space. Acreage continues down from past levels. Almost all production was devoted to tomatoes, except for one farm with 4,000 square feet of hydroponic lettuce. Estimated gross farm value of Louisiana greenhouse vegetables was $1.1 million in 2007. Distribution of the industry was statewide, but not much is found in hurricane- and flood-affected areas. All greenhouse produce was for fresh market sales in local markets, and much was sold direct-retail by growers. Several growers were very small as in one standard 30-by-96-foot house or less. Energy costs have become a major factor in production costs for greenhouse vegetable production. Little expansion in the greenhouse industry is expected.