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BrightFarms Doubles Funding with $55m Series D
BrightFarms Doubles Funding with $55m Series D
BrightFarms, the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company, has raised a $55 million Series D round, bringing the greenhouse grower’s total funding to more than $100 million.
BrightFarms grows salad greens and herbs in hydroponic greenhouses in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. The new funds will largely go toward building more greenhouse facilities and expanding the company’s geographical footprint. A new farm in Ohio will open this summer, followed by a Texas facility in early 2019, according to a statement.
This latest round was led by communications, media, and automotive services companyCox Enterprises, with existing investors Catalyst Investors, WP Global Partners and NGEN Partners also participating.
Like other indoor farming operations, BrightFarms produces locally-grown fresh food to densely populated urban communities. But, BrightFarms has historically been more focused on business model innovation that technological innovation, especially compared to its set of high-tech indoor competitors like AeroFarms, Bowery, and Plenty. BrightFarmsCEO Paul Lightfoot said at the recent Indoor AgTech Summit in Brooklyn, NY, that using sunlight is a more sustainable choice than artificial light (as vertical, warehouse farms do).
Though Bright Farms’ funding hasn’t quite caught up to its higher raising counterparts in AeroFarms and Plenty, the company appears to be the closest US venture-backed CEA startup to being a national brand. The Texas farm will also bring BrightFarms closer to the center of salad green agriculture in the US, Salinas, CA and Yuma, Arizona.
“We have always competed directly with West Coast field grown products at the shelf. When we enter new retailers, we are replacing the shelf space of West Coast distributors. Our program drives incremental category growth while attracting our retailers’ most valuable consumers. We will deliver that growth in Texas and throughout the US as we expand. This is a huge category and we are just getting started,” Lightfoot told AgFunderNews.
It has made this progress by insisting on forward purchase agreements with clients, meaning retailers must commit to purchasing a certain quality of BrightFarms product over a period of time in order to sell it at all, which is not usual practice for most retailers, especially when buying produce.
“Our [forward purchasing] model has enabled deep and meaningful partnerships with retailers. We will continue to leverage that model as we scale,” Lightfoot said.
Neal Parikh, former vice president of finance at BrightFarms told AgFunderNews in 2016 that the upfront legal costs of drafting these contracts and convincing supermarket retailers to deviate from their usual buying patterns can prove difficult, especially when it comes to securing a long-term purchasing commitment. But, CEA means that prices and supply should be consistent and BrightFarms was able to convince some of grocery’s largest players. Current clients include Kroger, Wegmans, Walmart, ShopRite, and Jet.com among others.
Lead investor Cox Enterprises is a 120-year-old company with $18 billion in revenue. The company launched a national sustainability initiative in 2007 and has since invested more than $100 million toward environmental goals, according to a statement. The company is also an investor in FarmCrowdy, a digital agriculture platform focused on connecting farm sponsors with real farmers, based in Nigeria.
Cox Enterprise’s David Blau, vice president of strategy & corporate development and Lacey Lewis, senior vice president of finance, have joined the BrightFarms board of directors.
Italy: 90 Tons of Basil Plants Produced Using Hydroponic Techniques
Italy: 90 Tons of Basil Plants Produced Using Hydroponic Techniques
Il Bettolino is a cooperative producing basil and aromatic herbs employing the Floating System. It sells its produce directly to retailers and owns 10,000 sq m of state-of-the-art greenhouses managed professionally. In 2017, it produced 90 thousand tons of produce.
"We're a cooperative that has decided to focus on high-quality and technology. We are one of the few, if not the only ones, to produce basil in Emilia-Romagna in such a large area. We have both the traditional and organic ranges but, at the moment, organic basil is only sent as potted plants. In 2017, we produced 450,000 pots. Coop Italia recognised the Vivi Verde Bio certification to our basil," explained president Francesca Benelli.
"The cooperative currently employs 27 disadvantaged members as well as 40 people part of a social inclusion programme. Cultivation represents 80% of the turnover generated by all activities. A couple of years ago, we became part of Agribologna."
"We grow excellent-quality produce with state-of-the-art techniques and pay great attention to the environment thanks to cogeneration and integrated control. The energy for the led lighting and heating for the greenhouse are supplied by the public body at a lower price. Our company also holds the ISO 1401 certification for basil cultivation in pots and water tanks and for its packaging."
Basil sowing is carried out automatically on the top part of the plateau so as to also add sterile material. At the end of each cycle, plateaus are sterilised and reused in compliance with out quality and environmental management and Haccp systems.
In addition to selling plants and packaging them in trays, basil is also processed to make pesto and packaged in pots. Around 70% of the production is destined to be sold in ports but, a few years ago, the business has started collaborating with a company from Liguria to make pesto under the "Amici in Campo" brand.
Archive photo
Greenhouses are heated thanks to bio-gas produced by the decomposing of waste from municipal plants. This reduces the consumption of fuel and helps lower environmental impact.
Contacts
Cooperativa sociale il Bettolino sc
Via S. Veneria 90/A
42046 Reggiolo (RE)
Tel.: (+39) 0522 650000
Email: presidenza@ilbettolino.it
Web: www.ilbettolino.it
Publication date: 6/4/2018
Pure Flavor® Growing Momentum with New Products, Awards, and Expansion
Pure Flavor® Growing Momentum with New Products, Awards, and Expansion
Leamington, ON (June 21st, 2018) – Greenhouse vegetable production is in full swing in every region of North America which is meeting surging consumer demand heading into the heart of summer. Pure Flavor®’s family of growers are producing more than ever before fueling the company’s momentum in the marketplace. This, in turn, is setting up opportunities to connect with retail & foodservice partners at the United Fresh Trade Show & Convention in Chicago, June 26-27.
“We have a very positive momentum in the marketplace and gaining more steam season over season. Coupled with our brand refresh, increased acreage & product offering, expansion to Georgia, and now receiving Greenhouse Awards for Best Overall Cucumber, Best Cocktail Cucumber, and Best Beefsteak Tomato Grower, it’s been a busy year for us and we are only in June!”, said Jamie Moracci, President.
As a vertically integrated grower/marketer, Pure Flavor®’s year-round programs are supported by a family of growers across many regions to ensure consistency in supply.
With increased acreage and demand for more products, Pure Flavor® will be launching 2 new items at the United Fresh Trade Show & Convention; a Fresh Salsa Kit & a Fresh Guacamole Kit. This in addition to rolling out new top seal packaging for its complete line of snacking tomatoes. Pure Flavor® will be showcasing these items, including their very popular and kid-friendly Mini Munchie Snack Sized Veggie Program in the Featured Product Showcases at the trade show.
“The Fresh Salsa Kit & Fresh Guacamole Kit were created in formats that are convenient for both retail & club stores, the kits touch on everything fresh for the DIY enthusiast”, stated Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice-President. “Consumers want to spend more quality family time together creating flavorful meals. Fresh focused meal solutions like the Salsa & Guacamoles Kits are fast, easy, and fun! The beauty of these kits is that you can customize them as you see fit to add in your own flavors”, said Mastronardi. (Link: http://www.pure-flavor.com/FreshKits2018 )
“Our Georgia greenhouse project is moving along swiftly with the first phase of 25 acres scheduled to be completed late this summer”, said Moracci. The company announced in late 2017 that the expansion to Fort Valley, GA would be a 3-phased approach with a total of 75 acres of high tech greenhouses being built over a 5-year period. “By growing year-round in the southeast, it will allow us to reduce food miles to our customers while consumers get to enjoy fresher product on the shelves”, add Moracci.
To learn more about Pure Flavor®, visit Booth 819 at the United Fresh Trade Show & Convention in Chicago June 26-27 or visit Pure-Flavor.com.
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About Pure Flavor® -
Pure Flavor® is a family of greenhouse vegetable growers who share a commitment to bringing A Life of Pure Flavor™ to communities everywhere. Our passion for sustainable greenhouse growing, strong support for our retail & foodservice customers, and focus on engaging consumers is built on a foundation drawn from generations of growing expertise.
US (OK): OSU Builds New Greenhouse Learning Center
US (OK): OSU Builds New Greenhouse Learning Center
Oklahoma State University is building a modern Greenhouse Learning Center that will better prepare career-ready professionals to enter the horticulture industry.
It will include cutting-edge irrigation systems, intense climate and humidity control, and other technology standards in the horticulture industry.
Students will provide their communities with plants, cut flowers and food, bringing color and life to the world around them.
The new learning center will replace and improve functions of OSU's existing teaching greenhouses, creating a dynamic learning laboratory that supports modern pedagogy and industry best practices.
The Greenhouse Learning Center will primarily serve horticulture and landscape architecture students, however, those in agricultural education, communications and leadership; plant and soil sciences; natural resources ecology and management; and entomology and plant pathology also will benefit from using the greenhouses.
The new facility will create opportunities for more robust Extension programs and better support existing curriculum. That includes the annual student-run plant sale, which give students hands-on experience at every stage of the business cycle for plant propagation, management, and retail.
In addition to six greenhouses - including an isolate entomology greenhouse - the learning center will house a modern classroom, a head house, an office, a plant-prep area and ample storage for soil, equipment and chemicals such as fertilizer and pest-management materials. A large foyer may be used for events and student club meetings.
Source: Oklahoma State University
Publication date: 6/12/2018
Kids Grow Salad Greens On An Urban Concrete Schoolyard
Kids Grow Salad Greens On An Urban Concrete Schoolyard
Hydroponic hothouse program introduces disadvantaged girls to organic, sustainable veggies and herbs for eating and selling.
By Abigail Klein Leichman JUNE 19, 2018
Fresh greens are grown hydroponically at a Jerusalem girls’ school. Photo courtesy of StartUpRoots
Photos of smiling kids planting, picking and eating vegetables line the hallways of a school for girls in an impoverished Jerusalem neighborhood. The pictures were taken in the hydroponic hothouse the girls have tended for the past three years on their concrete playground.
Many of their families can’t afford veggies or haven’t been taught about their essential nutritional value, leaving children undernourished and unaware of the miraculous journey from seed to salad, says Shulamit, the teacher in charge of the project.
The nonprofit StartUpRoots provides the funds, equipment, and expertise for the hothouse, which nurtures some 1,400 greens and herbs each month. The students eat them, cook with them and even make creams and soaps from them.
“I think this is a project that belongs in every school. I love it so much,” Shulamit tells ISRAEL21c.
A student tends the leafy greens growing in the hydroponic hothouse. Photo courtesy of StartUpRoots
Lawyer, entrepreneur and former teacher Robin Katz founded StartUpRoots after investigating how Israeli produce could be grown locally without pesticides and while educating and empowering students in “poverty pockets” — including the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) population characterized by large families and small incomes.
“The kids are at a disadvantage academically when they don’t have proper nutrition. And a lot of health problems occur when you don’t know what foods to choose or just choose what is cheap,” says Katz, who moved to Ra’anana from Chicago in 2007.
She didn’t want children only to eat more veggies but to take a hand in growing them organically and sustainably. Katz found the model she was seeking when she visited a hydroponic farm in northern Israel
“They had the cleanest, best-tasting vegetables I’ve ever had, and I’ve traveled extensively,” she tells ISRAEL21c.
Katz found the opportunity to put her idea into action when she was asked to help raise money for a school lunch program at the girls’ school in the Bukharim neighborhood of Jerusalem. She proposed building a small hydroponic facility in a corner of the schoolyard for the girls to grow their own vegetables.
“I was worried about taking space from the playground but the principal said, ‘No, take the back 100 meters.’ That was enough to grow 1,400 plants a month, and we’re working on ways to increase the yield exponentially,” says Katz.
Hothouse on a concrete schoolyard. Photo courtesy of StartUpRoots
The kids grow by growing
Supported by private donors, StartUpRoots provides the equipment, the services of professional agronomists and nutritionists, and a chef who comes after the first harvest to cook with the kids.
Katz and a team of expert volunteers developed a holistic curriculum for teachers like Shulamit to get ideas for lesson plans covering topics from healthy eating to the environmental impact of food production.
“I sat down with Israeli educators to talk about the objectives and goals of the program and they said, ‘Relax, Robin, the kids will grow by growing. They’ll see the direct relationship between their effort and the outcome.’ The life lessons they learn include personal responsibility and understanding that progress is gradual.”
StartUpRoots installed another hydroponic garden at a girls’ school in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Neve Ya’akov. “They didn’t have room outside, so we built an indoor farm with LED lighting, which we are currently expanding in a former library, utilizing a state-of-the-art vertical design,” says Katz.
A StartUpRoots staffer shows schoolgirls in Neve Ya’akov how to start a hydroponic garden. Photo: courtesy
The program requires that students spend at least 20 minutes every day tending the system and the plants, starting with dropping single seeds in a growing medium and making sure that the plants in the closed water system have the right levels of acidity, nutrients, and oxygen.
“The hydroponic method uses 90 percent less water than in-ground farming because nothing is getting absorbed in the soil and the water is recycled,” Katz explains. “The roots get nutrition directly from water and therefore grow faster. There are also few insects because it’s the dirt that attracts pests.”
“It’s a lot fresher and healthier,” adds Ronny Avidan, an Israeli agronomist who joined StartUpRoots in 2015 after completing agricultural projects in Africa. “I want to help promote the ideology of urban organic, pest-free agriculture and sustainability,” he tells ISRAEL21c.
Leafy veggies growing in a schoolyard hothouse in Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of StartUpRoots
Creating a sense of value
The hothouse has become part of Shulamit’s science curriculum for grades 1-7. The girls record their activities and observations after performing their assigned tasks.
The leafy greens grow so abundantly that the school began selling them for a token amount to the girls’ families. “When you charge a bit of money, you create a sense of value,” Shulamit explains.
She says the excitement created by the project has led directly to higher enrollment as children share their enthusiasm with parents and friends.
The girls also planted a conventional garden in another corner of the schoolyard along with a compost pile. Among the produce growing, there are sunflowers, the seeds of which are a favorite Israeli snack.
“When they buy sunflower seeds in a package in the store, they think they appeared from nowhere. Now they understand that these are natural seeds that God created,” says Shulamit.
Katz says some of the aspects of StartUpRoots are found in American programs like Virginia-based Edible Education.
“But we go beyond those programs. In Israel, we don’t have water and land to waste, and we have increasing populations. And yet if we can come out of those challenges shining it should inspire others to do the same.”
The program is not meant only for disadvantaged children. Katz is working with her hometown and partners Matan and Leket (Israel’s national food bank) to transform an unused area into a hydroponic community garden that she hopes will blossom into a farmers market.
Katz is in discussions with additional schools to join StartUpRoots. The no-carbon-footprint hothouses could be put on school rooftops or basements.
“To change dietary habits you first have to change consumer demand and the best way to do that is to start with children,” she says.
For more information, click here
The GEC Family
The GEC Family
Young Marketing Coordinator, a Future student of Agriculture Management, Go Irish!!!
Summertime is finally here, and the Greenhouse Education Center (GEC) is back in gear! For those of you who don’t know the Greenhouse Education Center is basically like a reality TV show that is my reality for the summer. I can already imagine the commercials for it in my head (TV announcer voice): “In a world, where five amazing strangers are on a mission to travel across North America, with only one goal in mind; to spread knowledge on constantly flavorful, exceptional quality, and extremely sustainable greenhouse-grown produce. Season 3 of the GEC returns this summer, only on NF TV”.
With a new team and some new locations, this summer is looking to be one for the books. This year’s team is much like our TOMZ® Tomatoes: we are a great variety of individuals who all have our own specialties and backgrounds but still come together perfectly. We’re like a perfect pint of the TOMZ®Mixed Medley.
Now, who is this impeccable team I keep referring to, you might ask? That would be Tyler St. P, Zak B, Bryn P, Steph M, and myself, Jack H. These young, knowledgeable students were hand-picked by our amazing Marketing Staff at NatureFresh™.
First one out of the cluster is Tyler St. P, AKA T.S.P. Tyler is considered the old man out of the group due to being the eldest male. This-son-of-a kindergarten teacher excels at teaching kids about living and eating healthy. With a business background, T.S.P. knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to social media marketing and that’s why he’s in charge of our GEC social media pages – be sure to give them a follow (@naturefreshgec).
Up next is my roommate for the summer, Mr. Zak B. Zak is our main media man for the trailer as he’s versatile in digital photography, videography, vlog cameras, go pros, time lapses, and so much more – he has amazing talents that benefit the trailer in so many ways. Aside from the tech game, Zak is beyond well-trained when it comes to the farm. Zak has done everything from working as a bug scout, to planting, to picking, to packing, to shipping. If it’s a job at the farm, he has for sure been there, done that.
Following Zak is Bio-Med, Bryn P. Why bio-med you might ask? Because that’s what she’s studying silly (yes, she’s that smart). Now another question you may be asking yourself is if she’s studying that in school, why this job? It’s because she was tired of making sandwiches and was going to work in the farm for NatureFresh™ until she decided to shoot her shot in Marketing. Now, if your done underestimating Bryn and her uncanny talents, there will be no further questions, just statements. Bryn never steps outside without her famous blue framed sunglasses. Bryn is always the first one up and ready to head to work. And finally: Bryn has the ability to make anything fun, which is key for this summer.
Following Bryn is our other home girl, Steph M. Despite Steph’s innocent personality, don’t let her fool you – she is the queen of hip hop when it comes to playing music in the van. “Cardi B and 50 Cent are my parents” – a direct quote from Steph. Music aside, Steph is the “Mom” of the group and is always looking out for us and checking if we all have sunscreen on, or if we’re getting enough water throughout the day. Steph has worked in greenhouses before and her knowledge shows in a glowing way. Steph is extremely personable and has the ability to engage in conversation with anyone, old or young.
So, there you have it the 2018 Greenhouse Education Center team… no wait, who am I forgetting? Oh yes, my bad, yours truly: Jack H. I am an experienced Marketing Coordinator at NatureFresh™ and have done everything from managing warehouses to helping with photoshoots, to overseeing analytics. Personally, my favorite experience was being a hand model. I was trained by Herman F. (that red head guy from a lot of our videos on our website) – in his bio last year, he was described to be “Forgetful and yet always on top of things” and I seemed to have taken on this trait. I’m quick to answer a question, find out where to go via Google Maps, and always be there to lend a helping hand to my fellow coworkers. Switching from Drama Education at University to Greenhouse Education for the summer has been a great transition, and NatureFresh™ made everything that much easier.
With all these outstanding brand ambassadors, I’m sincerely honored to have the opportunity to work with such personalities. With an amazing job and a beyond-amazing staff, there aren’t enough words to describe my positive feeling for the summer.
P.S. Pete: that was a small sales pitch about NF TV – I say let’s make it happen
2018/06/22
Hydroponic Baby Greens Are ‘Clean From The Start’
Hydroponic Baby Greens Are ‘Clean From The Start’
Hydroponic Baby Greens Are ‘Clean From The Start’
By Cindy Cantrell GLOBE CORRESPONDENT JUNE 02, 2018
As founder of Backyard Farms, Paul Sellew of Carlisle brought flavorful, greenhouse-grown tomatoes to the East Coast market. His next company, Harvest Power, became a major processor of organic materials in North America. As founder and chief executive of Little Leaf Farms in Devens, he oversees the growing of hydroponic baby greens that are sold to grocery stores, food service institutions, and restaurants, as well as donated to food banks and other organizations.
Q. What is hydroponics?
A. It means growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water, without soil. This method is completely sustainable and 20 to 25 times more productive than soil-grown horticulture. In Massachusetts, where we have fierce winters, it’s also more efficient. The plants grow year-round in a controlled environment utilizing natural sunlight and a rainwater-based irrigation system that uses 90 percent less water than field-grown lettuce companies.
Q. Why is that advantageous to the consumer?
A. We seed and harvest seven days a week, so our produce is in the market the next day. We’re delivering unparalleled freshness and quality, which translates into better flavor and more nutrition.
Q. What does your motto ‘Clean From the Start’ mean?
A. Our lettuce is seeded, grown, cut, and packaged without ever being touched by human hands. We have never, and we never will use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Instead, we vigilantly practice biological control so if an insect attacks our lettuce, we introduce another insect to attack that one. Consumers can be confident they’re purchasing a safe product, grown in an environment that employs the most advanced food safety practices.
Q. What led to your recent greenhouse expansion?
A. It’s a consumer-driven expansion. In trying to keep up with demand, we concluded that we need to more than double production. We just added 2 1/2 acres, for a total of 5 acres under glass. We also got approval to build on 5 contiguous acres, which will give us 10 acres total when we expand the greenhouse again in 2019.
Q. What is your goal for the business?
A. We want to build a sustainable food production model that will be the dominant supplier to local markets. We’ve gone up against gigantic West Coast companies, and we’re honored that we’ve been able to build traction and a loyal customer following. We’re doing it a better way at Little Leaf Farms.
For more information, visit littleleaffarms.com.
Cindy Cantrell may be reached at cindycantrell20@gmail.com.
Superior Fresh – Largest Aquaponics Facility In The World
Superior Fresh – Largest Aquaponics Facility In The World
Linked by Michael Levenston
Uses LumiGrow LED Grow Lights
LumiGrow Lighting | May 21, 2018
Superior Fresh is the largest aquaponics facility in the world. Their state-of-the-art fish facility is coupled with a 3-acre glass greenhouse where they grow various leafy greens and herbs. They grow everything from seed in their greenhouse under LumiGrow grow lights and produce 1.8 million pounds of leafy greens each year. The leafy vegetables make their journey from the greenhouse to supermarket shelves within 48 hours.
Superior Fresh’s fish house and greenhouse have been meticulously designed and built using state-of-the-art technology to maximize profits with a superbly modern facility. For their greenhouse lighting, Superior Fresh is using LumiGrow LED grow lights paired with LumiGrow Light Sensor technology to ensure yield and quality goals are met consistently while reducing energy costs by 50% compared to traditional HPS lighting.
The light sensor technology allows Superior Fresh to monitor the exact light levels in the greenhouse and create programs that automatically adjust the fixtures to efficiently meet production goals year-round.
“Our biggest leap forward has been the [LumiGrow] smartPAR software,” says Adam Shinner, Head Grower at Superior Fresh. “…When we have enough sun, the lights turn off. When we don’t have enough sun, they turn back on. It allows for full integration of our lighting system [with the greenhouse zoning], which has truly not been possible up until this point.”
“Understanding that we are going to have 9 billion people on this planet in the next 30 years or so, we have to start thinking about how we’re going to efficiently grow food close to the marketplace,” says Brendan Gottsacker, CEO at Superior Fresh. “LumiGrow has allowed us to grow food right here in Wisconsin in the middle of the winter.”
Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit Taking Place At New Lab Innovation Hub In Brooklyn
- 3 WEEKS TO GO until @IndoorAgTech Innovation Summit! Full event details here: https://bit.ly/2FI1ubU New York, June 20-21, 2018
iGrow News readers can use the discount code IGR300 when you register to receive $300 off a delegate pass!
With resident space, on-site Product Realization, specialized programming, and access to a network that includes city agencies, venture capitalists, domain experts, and leading corporations, New Lab makes innovation move faster.
New Lab’s reputation as a center for innovation and technology makes it the ideal venue for the Indoor AgTech Innovation summit.
The inaugural Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit will focus on building and investing in more sustainable, profitable and healthy food systems and the role that vertical and indoor farming can have in serving local, regional and national food systems.
To find out more about the Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit, visit: https://indooragtechnyc.com/
iGrow is proud to be a marketing partner of the Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit in New York.
Use partner code IGR300 to save $300 on a delegate pass.
With 3 weeks to go until his keynote session at Indoor AgTech in New York, we spoke to Nate Storey, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at Plenty to discuss the company's meteoric rise and its ongoing mission to make affordable fresh produce accessible to everyone.
Q&A with Nate Storey, Plenty
What changes are needed to the current distribution model for this to happen, and what are the new technologies and approaches that will support the growth of indoor farming?
Follow them on Twitter: @IndoorAgTech #IndoorAgTech
Mucci Farms Awarded For Flavour At The 11th Annual Greenhouse Competition!
Mucci Farms Awarded For Flavour At The 11th Annual Greenhouse Competition!
June 16th, 2018 (Leamington, Ontario) – Mucci Farms announces that it has been awarded several top prizes at the 11th Annual Greenhouse Competition held at the Leamington Fair. The big winner was SmucciesTM Sweet Strawberries that swept the all-new strawberry category with the Best Overall Strawberry, People’s Choice and Kid’s Choice awards. In addition, their newest item, CutecumberTM Poppers, a one-bite cucumber variety was awarded the People’s Choice award in the cucumber category.
To cap off the weekend, RusticoTM Long Red Peppers, an item geared for grilling season took home the award for best Specialty Long Pepper along with English Cucumbers winning the Coolest Cucumber category.
New to the competition this year was the highly anticipated Strawberry category, one gaining lots of notoriety in the greenhouse space in recent years. “Smuccies are a prized possession for us, so it’s really special to win three awards in the category in the inaugural year,” said Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing at Mucci Farms. “At Mucci Farms, we prioritize flavour right from the first step which is to identify the best seed varieties, followed by the best and safest growing methods.
We’re grateful to the judges and the local community for recognizing our team and our growers for all the work they’ve put in.” This year, the community had the opportunity to experience the RCMP Musical Ride, known around the world for its equestrian performances choreographed to music. Members of the RCMP enjoyed award-winning SmucciesTM throughout the weekend, donated by Mucci Farms.
The Greenhouse Competition is presented at the Leamington Fair by REACH International to celebrate Essex County as being the largest greenhouse industry in North America. All net proceeds from the event are dedicated to REACH International's Uganda project aimed at building schools, clinics and providing care for impoverished children in the African country. “The objectives of REACH International lineup seamlessly with our goals of giving back to those less fortunate, so we enjoy participating in this competition for the charity aspect as much, or even more than receiving awards,” remarked Danny Mucci, President of Mucci International Marketing.
Winners for the two-day Greenhouse Competition were selected in two stages. Judges from across the food industry judged each entry on Friday before the public was allowed in the competition tent. The entry with the highest score for each category and the overall competition were declared the winners. Once official judging is complete, the public is given the opportunity to taste all the entries and vote for the People’s Choice Award and Kid’s Choice Awards.
The awards ceremony was held on Saturday evening, June 16th at the Leamington Fair.
NatureFresh™ Farms Takes Home People’s & Kids’ Choice Awards At Leamington Greenhouse Vegetable Competition
NatureFresh™ Farms Takes Home People’s & Kids’ Choice Awards At Leamington Greenhouse Vegetable Competition
Leamington, ON (June 17th, 2018) – The Tomato Capital of Canada, Leamington, ON, hosted its 11th annual Greenhouse Vegetable Awards this past weekend at the Leamington Fair. Showcasing the best greenhouse-grown produce from leading North American growers, family-owned NatureFresh™ Farms was awarded many top accolades, including People’s and Kids’ Choice Awards for 2018’s Hottest Tomato, the Tomberry®.
On Saturday evening, NatureFresh™ Farms took home awards in the following categories:
- People’s Choice Award for Hottest Tomato – NatureFresh™ Tomberry® Tomatoes
- Kids’ Choice Award for Hottest Tomato - NatureFresh™ Tomberry® Tomatoes
- Kids’ Choice Award for Coolest Cucumber – NatureFresh™ Mini Cucumbers
- Kids’ Choice Award for Perfect Pepper – NatureFresh™ Yellow Bell Pepper
Matt Quiring, Executive Retail Sales Accounts Manager at NatureFresh™ Farms, was especially excited that NatureFresh™ took home the coveted Kids’ Choice Awards in the Tomato, Bell Pepper, and Cucumber categories: “The People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice Awards are such impactful awards to win because they have everything to do with the end consumer. They’re also incredibly important because children are the buyers of tomorrow – knowing that they choose NatureFresh™-grown products above every other label is a huge testament to what we do and what’s in store for the future.”
At the Awards, the Tomberry® Tomato was chosen by both adults and children as this year’s Hottest Tomato. Benny Teichroeb, a member of the Trial Development team at NatureFresh™ Farms, was confident after his experiences with the Tomberry® that it would perform well at the Awards this year: “The Tomberry® is definitely one of the most unique Tomatoes we have ever trialled in the Discovery Center. It performed beyond our expectations from the start, and due to its small size and sweet flavor, it tends to draw a lot of positive attention. People of all ages love the World’s Smallest Tomato, and we are very excited to now have it in our program full-time!”. The NatureFresh™ Farms team is looking forward to watching this little Tomato do big things within the Tomato category.
All funds raised from the Greenhouse Vegetable Awards go to R.E.A.C.H. International. This local charity has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to build clinics and schools, drill water wells, and sponsor and care for impoverished children in Uganda, Africa.
Understanding Greenhouse Lighting
Understanding Greenhouse Lighting
There’s a lot more to greenhouse lighting than meets the eye. Growers in search of the appropriate lighting for their greenhouse should consider the following three factors: the type of crop being grown, what time of year it is and how much sunlight is available.
Greenhouses generally require six hours of direct or full spectrum light each day. If this can’t be done naturally, supplemental lighting must be incorporated. Supplemental lighting is the use of multiple, high-intensity artificial lights to promote crop growth and yield. Hobbyists like to use them to maintain growth and extend the growing season, whereas commercial growers use them to boost yields and profits.
Equally important as supplemental lighting is photoperiod control lighting. A photoperiod of light is the number of hours that a plant receives light in a 24-hour time span. For example, if the sun rises at 6 in the morning and sets at 8 in the evening, a 14-hour photoperiod has lapsed. Photoperiod control lights are used to simulate long days, triggering early flowering or promoting delayed flowering, depending on the plant’s needs.
Growers have a wide array of lighting options to pick from, so it’s important to understand the nuances of different lighting styles. Let’s examine the uses and advantages of four different lighting types.
High-pressure sodium fixtures
High-pressure sodium fixtures provide more orange and red spectrum light and have a golden-white appearance to the human eye. Since they promote budding and flowering, they are generally used later in the growth cycle of the plant. These fixtures are approximately 7 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and work best when used in conjunction with natural daylight, making them a great option for greenhouses. High-pressure sodium lights also offer the potential for a 10% increase in intensity and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR.)
Give high-pressure sodium lights about 4 to 5 minutes to warm up and one minute to cool down. It is for this reason that they aren’t good for locations where the lights turn on and off frequently. It’s also important to be cognizant of placement; high-pressure sodium lights should be mounted 30 to 36 inches above the plant for optimal results.
Fixed and programmable spectrum LED fixtures
LED (light emitting diode) fixtures are the longest lasting option offered by Growers Supply, with a typical lifespan of 50,000 hours. The diode of an LED won’t burn out as fast as standard light bulbs, which gives it such an incredibly long lifespan. LED lighting fixtures have a higher efficiency than standard lighting because more of the power input goes to light than heat. For instance, incandescent bulbs are only about 20% efficient, as most of their input power goes to producing heat.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of LED lighting is the massive energy savings. They are easily integrated into any operation and offer up to 70% savings when compared to high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting.
There is no warm-up time required with an LED fixture and they are also free of mercury, making disposal much easier than other bulbs. LED’s provide superior functionality when used as a sole source of lighting, making them an attractive option for many growers.
Ceramic metal halide
Ceramic metal halide lamps are used for their blue light, although they appear bright-white to the human eye. They can easily function as a primary light source, with an average lifespan between 8,000 to 15,000 hours. Since metal halides are 3 to 5 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, they make an excellent option for areas that don’t receive natural sun.
Important to note is that metal halides have to warm up for about 5 minutes or less before they can give out full light. They also need a cool down period of about 5 to 10 minutes before restarting. For this reason, they are not recommended for locations where the lights will turn on and off frequently.
Ceramic metal halide lights should be hung 30 to 36 inches over plants and can result in darkened leaves and overall healthy-looking greenery. Growers Supply PARLucent Ceramic Metal Halide Lights are ideal for greenhouse and hydroponic applications. Growers often use them in the early phase of a plant’s life when seeds are in the vegetative growth phase. The dimmable ballast allows growers to obtain the perfect lighting for their operation. They are completely silent too, so there are no bothersome humming, buzzing or high-pitched noises to deal with.
T5 fixtures
T5 fixtures are the most efficient and most popular fluorescent greenhouse lighting option for growing. They use less energy than traditional lamps and can last up to 50,000 hours. These environmentally-friendly lights sometimes feature aluminum reflectors for maximum efficiency. They are ideal for use in hydroponics, greenhouses, warehouses, barns and more. They can be used from the initial phase of seed starting to full term growth.
The letter “T” denotes the tubular shape of the lamp and the number 5 indicates its diameter in eighths of an inch. T5 lamps are slim, only 5/8” of an inch in diameter, which makes T5 fluorescent tubes more efficient than standard fluorescent tubes.
GrowSpan’s High-Performance 45” T5 Fluorescent Lamp features extremely high lumen output and full spectrum lighting that is excellent for plants from the seedling stage up to full term growth. Its minimal heat output means that it can safely be placed very close to plants, within 6 to 12 inches to be precise. While there’s technically no such thing as too much light, it’s important not to use too powerful a light in a small space, which can result in overheating of the leaf surface area.
For more information:
GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures
1395 John Fitch Blvd
South Windsor, Connecticut 06074
Toll-free USA: (800) 476 9715
International: +1 860 528 9550
info@growspan.com
www.growspan.com
First Road Trip - Opening the Greenhouse Education Center
FIRST ROAD TRIP
Opening the Greenhouse Education Center
May 25, 2018
The initial opening of the Greenhouse Education Center had to be my favorite part of the first trip. I had seen it before but it had only been without the actual plants up to this point. As the team and I opened the trailer at our first location, I found myself mostly focused on correctly positioning all the components of the trailer, making sure our signs were up in position and nervously anticipating my first conversation with a visitor. Once I had gotten over that anticipation, I finally took a step back from the trailer and got to see it in its entirety. It was amazing to finally get to see the mobile greenhouse with all the plants on it! Everything had come together and we finally got the opportunity to show everyone where some of the produce that they are buying in the grocery stores comes from and how it’s grown.
The First Day
Beginning our first trip with the Greenhouse Education Center was just as exciting as it was nerve-wracking. Although I was excited to begin my summer journey and meet people from various cities, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I eagerly woke up on the morning of May 10th to begin the adventure. We all had been familiarized with the greenhouse environment through our thorough training days where we got to experience the greenhouse growing first hand – now it was time to put it all into action. The first day in Toronto was extremely exciting! We were ready and confident to show everyone how we grow our produce. We definitely experienced a couple hiccups throughout the day, as expected, but once we worked out all the kinks it was smooth sailing. There was no shortage of walking traffic in Toronto, which meant tons of visitors at the mobile greenhouse. They all tested our knowledge on the growing process of the plants, which I think was the best learning experience to solidify the knowledge we gained during orientation week. It was a great day with great weather and by the end of it the team was exhausted. We knew this would take some getting used to.
Getting to Know the Team
This is my first job working in a team-oriented environment. On the first trip I got to know everyone I would be spending the summer with. It was very interesting to know where the team had all come from. Even though we had all come from Essex County, we all had different backgrounds and interests which made for a well rounded, diverse team with various skill sets.
I also had the pleasure of getting to know the man in charge of pulling the mobile greenhouse around; Kenny! He quickly assumed the role of comic relief with his witty jokes and always managed to keep smiles on our faces. It’s amazing how quickly the team has come together and developed great communication with each other. I’m looking forward to the rest of our journey together!
"A Heated Greenhouse All Year Round By Using Flexible Residual Heat Computer Servers"
Jeroen Burks, Block Heating
"A Heated Greenhouse All Year Round By Using Flexible Residual Heat Computer Servers"
The greenhouse horticulture has an enormous need for heat, and residual heat as a renewable energy source is considered more often. Computer servers generate a lot of heat which is largely left unused. The start-up Block Heating wants to deploy that heat to heat greenhouses. Not by building data centers near greenhouse complexes, but by bringing servers by mobile containers to growers.
The idea for deploying residual heat arose about three years ago. Jeroen Burks, the man behind BlockHeating: "I supplied hardware for data centers and noticed that many customers wanted to make their residual heat useful. Most residual heat is still being routed outside. Together with the customer, we tried to find out if we could use residual heat to heat a building. A building of about 400 to 500 square meters is being heated successfully, and the building stays warm even on cold winter days.
Heat for a year
Fact is there are few buildings with a large need for heat in the summer, but greenhouse horticulture offered a solution. Jeroen: "If you know how much heat runs through a greenhouse each year, the deployment of residual heat by computer servers is a good match."
Because growers do not want a data center in their greenhouse, Block Heating aims at servers in mobile containers. Jeroen: "A 13-meter container can fit about 800 servers, worth a capacity of one megawatt per year. Depending on isolation and the sort of crop used, the residual heat of only one of those containers can heat a greenhouse of up to 10 hectare all year round."
Hot water
The focus is on supplying heat through warm water. The heat from the servers can be used to supply water of 60 degrees Celsius. This is considerably lower than residual heat supplied by the industry but more than sufficient to heat a greenhouse. It is important though to keep the distance between heat source and greenhouse as small as possible. Jeroen: "Another reason why containers are ideal because the water of 60 degrees can be supplied directly to the growers' buffer tank, which can then be used as desired."
The grower doesn't need to fear having his greenhouse full of servers, or extra tubing and wiring. Jeroen "With minimal adjustments, we provide energy saving and an opportunity to makes steps towards growing without gas."
Short investment horizon
The building of a data center easily has an investment time of five to ten years, but the investment horizon for the deployment of server containers is significantly shorter. We are going to test a version with 80 servers soon, and at the beginning of winter a container with 800 servers should be ready."
In the coming period BlockHeating hopes to get feedback from multiple growers, so the containers can be developed further. "We are fairly selective for the first versions, but interested growers are always welcome."
For more information:
BlockHeating
Jeroen Burks
jeroen@blockheating.com
+31 6 470 41000
Riococo Expands Operations To Central Europe
Riococo Expands Operations To Central Europe
A new milestone for Riococo. The company, active in coir based growing medium, has recently expanded its operations to Central Europe. "Our new distribution office is just established in Vienna, Austria, and our staff will start to promote the Riococo products in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and North Italy", Shan Halamba says.
Riococo currently has clients in 52 countries, spread over all 6 continents. "We work closely with our clients and distributors to help each one achieve maximize production while reducing the inputs", Shan explains.
The company is to exhibit at the GreenTech in Amsterdam for the second time, in the technology innovations pavilion in booth 12.124. "This year we'll be not just showcasing our tried and true fresh produce growing media products, but also our fully organic product range, designed specifically for strawberries and other vegetable crops, microgreens and flowers"
At the exhibition, Riococo will bring distributors and sales teams from North America, Europe, South Africa and Russia. The company will participate in the organic route to the Organic Farmers Fair (TOFF) at the Greentech too.
For more information:
Riococo
info@riococo.com
www.riococo.com
Publication date: 6/7/2018
The Farmhouse Launches UAE-Grown Pesticide-Free Produce
The Farmhouse Launches UAE-Grown Pesticide-Free Produce
The food producer has signed its first deal with Barakat Group to supply multiple product varieties
jobtphotography Tomato crops at The Farmhouse
Devina Divecha May 27, 2018
A new UAE fresh food producer, The Farmhouse, has launched its inaugural line of locally grown, pesticide-free vegetables.
The Farmhouse has since signed its first major sales contract, partnering with Barakat Group to supply multiple product varieties. The produce will also be sold in supermarkets across the UAE. The Farmhouse is currently selling cucumbers, capsicums, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and zucchinis and has plans to expand its offering over time.
All crops are being grown in the controlled environment of its 430,000-square-foot greenhouse hydroponic farm in Ras Al Khaimah. The first phase of the facility was completed and produced its first harvest in March. When all crops are in harvest, The Farmhouse will supply more than 25 tonnes per week for local consumers.
The pesticide-free produce is grown using fully enclosed growbags and an advanced water runoff recovery system, resulting in 80% less water usage and significantly higher crop yields.
The Farmhouse offers customers a 'Grow to Suit' model, growing precise volumes required, providing options for various size and shape specifications, and delivering orders to a pre-agreed schedule.
A second phase expansion to over one million square feet will commence later this year.
Related
Commercial vertical indoor farm, Badia Farms, opens in Dubai
Local produce in demand amidst rising import costs
Why Does Bangladesh Need Hydroponic Cultivation For Future Generation
Soil based development is presently confronting challenges because of various man-made reasons, for example, deforestation, industrialization, and urbanization.
Why Does Bangladesh Need Hydroponic Cultivation For Future Generation
May 23, 2018 iftekhar
Introduction: Soil based development is presently confronting challenges because of various man made reasons, for example, deforestation, industrialization and urbanization. In addition, sudden cataclysmic events, environmental change and boundless usage of chemicals for agribusiness purposes cause the exhaustion of land richness and quality. That is the reason; researchers have built up another elective approach for development framework in particular soil-less development or hydroponics.
Absorb Land To Build Housing
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a soilless culture procedure in which plant can develop in a fluid or water arrangement. A substantial number of plants and harvests or vegetables can develop by hydroponics culture. The nature of yield, taste and nutritive estimation of final results is for the most part higher than the regular soil based development. This development is taken a toll proficient, illness free and Eco-accommodating and in addition getting prominence everywhere throughout the world. It has an extraordinary prospect in Bangladesh alongside high space research to satisfy the absence of arable land where legitimate cultivable land isn't accessible. Along these lines, hydroponics would be a superior system to create the various types of products of the soil and also take care of the worldwide sustenance demand with making advance future.
Hydroponics is an exceptionally lucrative and quickest developing cultivation in the farming sector. It is amazingly perfect and simple strategy in light of the fact that there is no way of soil-borne ailment, pest infection to the crops. Subsequently, hydroponics delivers the most beneficial harvests with exceptional returns in brief period and task costs turn out to be similarly substantially less to soil-based development. Interestingly, soil-based culture implies developing yields in the open field with the water system and therefore it requires utilization of high measure of composts, pesticides, and herbicides to develop the harvests. In this way, generation rate and nature of yield are similarly lower. Be that as it may, hydroponics framework is free from such sorts of pre-specified dangers and gives high creation.
Why do we need?
Hydroponics strategy shows "another" entryway of science helping more yield creation for nourishment and decorative utilize. It can diminish the ecological effect of nurseries and deliver enhanced yield quality. Hydroponics can supply high return of neighborhood crops, for example, verdant vegetables or flowers in the over-populated territories. In the event that it is conceivable to modernize the hydroponics system, all plants and products can be developed through everywhere throughout the world.
Hydroponics can nourish millions in zones of Africa and Asia, where water, land, and yields are deficient. In this manner, hydroponics gives the beam of seeking after the administration of harvest and sustenance generation. Japan has begun rice generation by hydroponics procedure to bolster the general population. Israel develops expansive amounts of berries, citrus foods grown from the ground in the dry and parched atmosphere. To talk reality, hydroponics procedure can be adaptable information in both rural or town and innovative space stations. This can be a capable practice for sustenance development from antagonistic natural biological communities, for example, deserts, uneven areas, or cold groups. Along these lines, the government should make open approaches and give sponsorships for such creation frameworks.
Conclusion:
Bangladesh is a river land country. Catastrophic events, for example, surge, dry season, high tide, disintegration are the most well-known occurrences in the country. Men are likewise utilizing fertilizers, manufactured herbicides, pesticides which exhaust the nature of the soil and taint groundwater at once. Thus, the fertility of the arable terrains is quickly diminishing and many individuals are experiencing illness and ailing health.
In this way, hydroponics is currently a promising system to develop distinctive plants. Hydroponics is a strategy which can deal with anybody effortlessly. Man can develop plants by hydroponics as their side interest or cultivating and at the same time, they can gather the new vegetables. As it is conceivable to develop a soil-less culture in low spaces with low work and brief time, so hydroponics can play an awesome commitment for the poorer and landless individuals. Also, it can enhance the way of life of individuals and upgrade the monetary development of a nation.
It’s Always Sunny At Red Sun Farms
It’s Always Sunny At Red Sun Farms
BY ELIZABETH LOUISE HATT | JUNE 08, 2018
2018 will be a year of growth and product innovation at Red Sun Farms. The team continues to move forward with expansion plans for Mexico, the United States, and Canada, all while trialing new varieties, which will exceed customer expectations in flavor, texture, and quality.
The Organic Grape tomatoes are some of the sweetest snacking varieties and becoming very popular with retailers and consumers. These delicious varieties also have a unique characteristic, lovingly refer to as dimples. To spread the news, the team is getting ready to “show its dimples” this summer. The upcoming campaign will include new advertising elements and a social media program focused on organic grape tomatoes.
“We can’t wait to show off our dimples,” said Leona Neill, marketing and packaging manager for the Kingsville, ON-based company. “There is always something new growing at Red Sun Farms. The team has been busy and there is a lot more excitement to come.” The new items join the company’s existing portfolio of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and the organic line and artisan line of select specialty products.
Education plays a big part in marketing at Red Sun Farms. The company offers several resources for both retailers and consumers to learn more about its produce. This includes an online catalog highlighting information about each product’s unique attributes; a library of recipes on the website that offers at-home chefs new, exciting ways to incorporate vegetables into their diets; and even information on the company’s eco-friendly packaging, explained Neill.
Education is also driving a new promotion around the seed-to-plate model. One of the largest fully integrated high-tech greenhouse growers in North America, the company owns and operates farms throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The seed-to-plate approach ensures consumers that consistent care is implemented throughout the entire growing process, from seed selection to propagation, to harvest, to transportation and delivery.
The upcoming advertising and social media campaign are designed to teach consumers and retailers about the difference Red Sun Farms delivers by owning all steps from seed to plate. “By controlling all steps in the process, we can ensure the same high-quality product from all our locations,” said Neill.
Retailers can meet the Red Sun Farms team and check out their latest products at the United Fresh Convention. Stop by booth No. 1619 to see the new line of avocados, organic grape tomatoes, and the ever-popular cherry on the vine.
Verticulinary Greenhouse Open House - June 13th
Verticulinary Greenhouse Open House
By urbanagnews
May 15, 2018
Verticulinary Greenhouse Open House
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Industry tours 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ivy Tech Community College
3701 Dean Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Though our greenhouse is only 3,000 square feet, visitors can expect to see more industry-relevant hydroponic equipment in one location than we believe is anywhere else in the country. We have visited many vertical farming sites around the US and purchased technology that will provide our Agriculture students with hands-on training using the same systems as these fast-growing companies devoted to hyper-local food production. GrowRacksTM have four shelves of circulated water illuminated by red and blue LED fixtures tuned to plant growth and flowering spectra. They grow 2-3” tall, dense planting of vegetable seedlings called micro-greens that are a favorite of culinary artists to provide color, texture and a flavorful punch to dishes. Species include broccoli, wasabi, radish, amaranth, arugula and many more.
These unique racks are designed to fit inside shipping containers that can be mobilized to grocery distribution centers, school parking lots, or urban deserts. We also use them for edible flowers such as viola, nasturtium, and borage, as well as lettuce and leafy greens. A High-Wire Trellis System simulates the hydroponic tomato and pepper production of massive greenhouses that grow for grocery store chains. Drip irrigation with nutrient solution moistens slabs of coconut husk fiber, while vines are trained up to the rafters on a twine trellis.
Our unique improvement to this system is side-lighting provided by rays of LED fixtures from Fluence Bioengineering that increases photosynthesis along the full length of the vines. TowerGardensTM are seven-foot columns with trailing plants such as strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Water is pumped from a reservoir to the top of each column where it sprays over the roots aeroponically.
ZipGrow RacksTM features an array of vertical gutters that grow lettuce, spinach, kale and other leafy greens using a recirculating system, with an incredible efficiency of 10 plants per square foot of floor space. Our NFT System uses horizontal gutters recirculating a thin film of nutrient solution that lettuce roots grow into. Lastly, our tiered DoubleDeck System with LED illumination and drip irrigation on both levels will simulate vertical production of medicinal cannabis using basil, rosemary, mint and other culinary herbs.
Recirculating water systems greatly reduce the water usage and fertilizer waste, while LED fixtures use less than half the electricity of standard greenhouse lighting. Furthermore, aquaculture units are being put in place that will create organic fertilizer for our systems. This educational greenhouse will be used in partnerships with the Ivy Tech culinary program, local restaurants, the Fort Wayne Zoo, local farmers markets and other community organizations to provide safe, nutritious food while offsetting costs to train the Agriculture students in the new facility.
For more information, contact:
Robert Eddy, CEA Consultancy
Robeddy92@gmail.com
765-607-3412
- TAGS
- Greenhouse
Agri Production Sees A Three-Fold Rise, Thanks To High Tech Farming
Agri Production Sees A Three-Fold Rise, Thanks To High Tech Farming
June 08 2018
Agrico managing director Nasser Ahmed al-Khalaf
Qatar’s use of advanced technology in agriculture has substantially increased local vegetable production even as the blockade against the country entered its second year, a prominent Qatari agriculturist has said.
“Increasing local vegetable production by more than 300% in less than a year is impressive and it shows how dedicated this sector is to support His Highness the Amir and the government’s vision of achieving food security,” Agrico managing director Nasser Ahmed al-Khalaf told Gulf Times.
Agrico, a private Qatari agricultural development company established in 2011, produces organic vegetables and fruits year-round in Al Khor and aims to help Qatar achieve food security.
Al-Khalaf said they expanded their high tech and locally developed greenhouse to other farms in the country under Agrico’s management. Out of the 1,400 registered farms in Qatar, he noted that around 300 are active and have been continuously increasing their production since last year. “The number of new (active) farms is growing and it means that some non-productive farms have turned into producing farms,” al-Khalaf explained.
“Many farms (or even houses) are now producing high quality organic fresh produce all year long without being affected by the outside environment,” he pointed out. “Other farms also developed themselves by using greenhouses with cooling pad system, which is adequate for some types of vegetables.” The country’s daily consumption reaches around 600 tonnes of vegetables and 400 tonnes of fruits, which can be achieved locally by operating 6-8mn sqm of greenhouses, he noted.
Al-Khalaf said hydroponics system can also save 90% of water consumption compared to conventional farming methods. He cited the uniqueness of Agrico’s greenhouses saying such technology is suitable for Qatar’s environment, even during the summer.
“Other greenhouses imported from outside have different cooling systems which are not suitable for our environment,” he said. “However you can still grow some types of vegetables in it but not all.” Agrico is also experimenting with growing organic papayas and other fruits such as melon, watermelon, and pomegranate.
“It is only a matter of time and people will see Qatar not only self-sufficient in vegetable production but also could start exporting its products to other countries (with the use of hydroponics),” said al-Khalaf, adding that such technology is also suitable for livestock, poultry, and fish farming. Currently, Qatar is producing 1,000 tonnes of freshwater fish annually and hopes to increase production in the near future with the use of modern technology to meet the growing demand.
A senior official from Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Aquaculture Department earlier cited the completion of the QR237.7mn Aquatic Fisheries and Research Centre in Ras Matbakh. The new state-of-the-art facility aims to develop the aquaculture sector in the country and carry out experiments and researchers aimed at setting up adequate aquaculture techniques by using the latest rearing fish and shrimp technology suitable for local fish species.
