BONITA — Following delays in selling two of its greenhouse complexes, which resulted in the closure of its tomato-growing operation, NatureSweet announced Wednesday it is appealing its property valuation with Graham County.
Dec. 15 was the deadline to file an appeal with the county for 2022 property valuations.
NatureSweet entered into an agreement to sell greenhouse complex Site 6, and possibly Site 5, at its Bonita operation to Bayacan for an indoor medical-grade cannabis grow, pending re-zoning of those sites by the county.
The Graham County Board of Supervisors approved the re-zoning, but a referendum seeking to overturn the board’s decision, initiated by a Maricopa County political consulting firm, was qualified for the November 2022 ballot.
Two lawsuits by Graham County residents seeking to invalidate the referendum are scheduled to be heard by a Maricopa County Judge next month.
Meanwhile, NatureSweet halted tomato production at the Bonita site due to disease and laid-off staff. The company’s plan was to re-hire staff and convert the remaining greenhouse complexes in Bonita into a research and development facility once the sale was finalized; however, those plans are on hold due to the referendum and lawsuits.
NatureSweet President and CEO Rodolfo Spielmann said the company is protecting itself through the appeal, due to the uncertainty of the current situation.
“We have honored our commitments to the people of Graham County, and we have tried to remain locally operational through building and running a world-class research and development facility in our existing property in Bonita,” Spielmann said. “Since last year, we have been engaging the County Supervisors and the community at large, explaining the local tax revenue impact of discontinuing our operations.
“The filing simply protects NatureSweet’s rights to appeal, which should not be a surprise to county leaders,” he continued. “My commitment to everyone in the county has been one of transparency and lack of surprises. NatureSweet remains committed to the well-being and success of the Graham County community and is interested in moving forward with its plans to build its new facility in the area, create high-paying jobs, and support education and economic development. “
