New York-based company BrightFarms has announced it will build a greenhouse in Oklahoma as part of a partnership with 76-store retailer Homeland Stores.

A BrightFarms release said it's long-term Produce Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Homeland was its second to date, and will involve the financing, construction and operation of a greenhouse to supply lettuces, tomatoes and herbs.

BrightFarms CEO Paul Lightfoot said Homeland Stores was a "terrific partner".

""Homeland is committed to purchasing more local produce, and we are excited to provide their customers with produce grown by Oklahomans for Oklahomans," he said.

"We’re excited to partner with BrightFarms and offer our consumers a year-round supply of fresh local produce," added Homeland Stores CEO Darryl Fitzgerald.

"This partnership supports our commitment to sell the absolute freshest produce and our commitment to the community."

A recent Mintel study found 52% of consumers said locally sourced products were more important to them than organic products.

Related story: U.S.: greenhouse fresh purchase agreement company expects growth in 2012

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