In the heart of Kingsville, Ontario, Ridge Farms is growing more than just tomatoes, they’re cultivating the future of smart farming, led by a new generation.
Emilio Mastronardi, a young second generation grower and owner of Ridge Farms, represents the next wave of agricultural leadership. Raised among tomato plants in the greenhouse, Emilio grew up picking and packing produce alongside his family. He returned to the farm with a university degree in biology and a passion for using technology to transform how things are done—bringing a new perspective to a proud family tradition.
Facing high energy costs and the challenges of scaling a modern greenhouse, Emilio knew that innovation was key. He looked closely at how climate and energy use could be optimized. After evaluating multiple systems, he chose Priva for full climate and irrigation control, and Svensson for advanced screening solutions.
Today, Priva technology manages 100% of Ridge Farms’ operations, from irrigation and heating to climate control and labor management. Emilio relies on Priva to monitor conditions and make daily adjustments that keep the crops thriving. With Priva’s Notification Center, he gets real-time alerts on his phone. So when irrigation issues arise, he can act instantly, no matter where he is on the farm.
Ontario’s weather swings from hot summers to cold winters, making climate control essential. That’s where Svensson’s Luxous Light energy screen is critical. It helps Ridge Farms reduce power demand the moment it’s closed, locking in energy savings without compromising crop quality. Ridge Farms also utilizes Harmony 5747 FR as a walkway screen, providing gentle shade and cooler temperatures to the people and plants inside the greenhouse.
Even better, Svensson’s screens work seamlessly with Priva’s automation, allowing Emilio to focus on strategy, not switches. “These systems have changed my life,” Emilio says. “I can’t imagine Ridge Farms without Priva and Svensson. Without them, the costs and inefficiencies would make it impossible to operate at this level.”
As a young grower, Emilio isn’t just continuing a legacy, he’s reimagining what’s possible in controlled environment agriculture. With the right technology, Ridge Farms is growing smarter, more sustainably, and ready to expand his operations.