Building a Better Vertical Farm
GoodLeaf and University of Guelph forge development collaboration
GUELPH, Ont. — GoodLeaf Farms and the University of Guelph are building a partnership to further advancements in vertical farming.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Canada’s largest commercial vertical farm and one of the nation’s leading agricultural universities seeks to build stronger links between theoretical research and development in processes and technology, and practical application in the field.
“Some of the best and most innovative agricultural research in Canada happens at the University of Guelph,” says Barry Murchie, Chief Executive Officer of GoodLeaf. “Building on the vertical farm technology we have already developed and are using, it will be exciting to see where this partnership can take us.”
Vertical farming is an innovative growing process that naturally grows plants with hydroponics under specialized LEDs. The lights are customized to mimic waves from the light spectrum that plants need to maximize photosynthesis.
GoodLeaf’s state-of-the-art farm is fully automated and equipped to grow microgreens and baby greens 365 days a year, without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and with dramatically less water than is used in traditional farming.
It is a cost-effective method of farming, uniquely suited for the Canadian climate and scalable.
Through this collaboration, both GoodLeaf and the University of Guelph are aiming to build on the existing science and engineering of vertical farming.
Some of the projects currently under way include research into:
Enhancing yields, plant science and new product development.
Substrates, growing compounds and microbiology.
Human resources and training future experts in the field of vertical farming.
“This partnership embodies something that’s incredibly important at University of Guelph — connecting our research with the world to improve life,” says Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research) at the University of Guelph. “As our stellar researchers find ways to advance the vertical farming industry, their innovations will be tested and used in real-time, which means real-world impact — a more sustainable food system for Canadians.”
Follow GoodLeaf Farms on Instagram @goodleaffarms and Like it on Facebook at /GoodLeafFarms.
About GoodLeaf Farms:
With a passion for delicious, nutrient-rich greens, GoodLeaf was founded in Halifax in 2011. Using an innovative technology and leveraging multi-level vertical farming, GoodLeaf has created a controlled and efficient indoor farm that can grow fresh produce anywhere in the world, 365 day of the year. The system combines innovations in LED lighting with leading edge hydroponic techniques to produce sustainable, safe, pesticide-free, nutrient-dense leafy greens. GoodLeaf has ongoing R&D Programs in collaboration with the University of Guelph, Dalhousie University and Acadia University.
Learn more at goodleaffarms.com.
About University of Guelph:
One of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities, the University of Guelph spans urban hubs and rural communities. Established in 1964, the University enjoys a reputation for innovation and excellence dating back more than 150 years to its founding colleges: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College and Macdonald Institute. Today U of G’s seven colleges conduct leading-edge teaching and research in the physical and life sciences, business, arts, social sciences and agricultural and veterinary sciences. It has nearly 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in Guelph, Toronto and Ridgetown and 185,000 alumni in more than 160 countries worldwide. The University of Guelph, and everyone who studies here, explores here, teaches here and works here, is committed to a simple, shared purpose: to Improve Life.
Learn more at uoguelph.ca
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