Commercial-scale hydroponic berries are gaining traction

Roughly 90-percent of American strawberries are grown in California, and almost all of them are grown outdoors in soil. But times are a-changin' as they say as farmers and food marketers see benefits of tabletop hydroponics. One company, Red Dog Management, has teamed up with Canadian produce distributor Oppy and agricultural investment firm Farmers Gate to offer a new range of hydroponic strawberries under the brand name of "Happy Berry." Consumers are drawn to the fact that these berries consume far fewer resources than traditional strawberries. That's due to efficient watering nutrient inputs that are not just more sustainable, but create what many say are better tasting fruit.