Welcome to iGrow News, Your Source for the World of Indoor Vertical Farming
Nature Fresh Farms Has Expanded Operations With A New Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas
The new 61,000 square foot Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, provides a new major hub of fresh produce
Leamington, ON (December 2, 2020) – Nature Fresh Farms has expanded operations with a new Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, with future developments planned for next year.
The new 61,000 square foot Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, provides a new major hub of fresh produce. Since the opening of the facility, they have employed over 30 team members with more positions available for hire. The center will help service Nature Fresh Farms Mexican winter program and allow for direct shipping of product, shortening their supply chain. With this fully operational facility, the company will be able to bring fresher produce to customers located in the Southern United States.
Laredo Division Manager, Sergio Restrepo, said the new Distribution Center is in response to Nature Fresh Farms continuous growth. “The acquirement of our new center is part of our plans to optimize our distribution network,” shared Sergio. “With this, we are able to further strengthen our logistics and operations, ensuring that we can better meet the needs and expectations of our consumers and customers.”
Nature Fresh Farms has had a streak of sustained operational growth with their newly completed Phase 7 and 8 greenhouses, and a large expansion planned for their Leamington location with more details to follow. The company also has future plans for expansion in Ohio with an extension of acreage, in addition to their current 45 acres of greenhouse, and the construction of a new Distribution Center.
“We are looking forward to further developing our Ohio location with many new initiatives planned,” said Vice President, John Ketler. “We see significant opportunities in the continued construction with these new facilities needed to support our growth.”
Nature Fresh Farms has experienced rapid growth over the last few years. Today the company has over 600 employees, 200 acres of greenhouses Tomato, Pepper, and Cucumber plants, with multiple facilities across North America.
-30-
About Nature Fresh Farms -
Continuously expanding, Nature Fresh Farms has become one of the largest independent, vertically integrated greenhouse vegetable farms in North America. As a year-round grower with farms in Leamington, ON, Delta, OH, and Mexico, Nature Fresh Farms prides itself on consistently delivering exceptional flavor and quality to key retailers throughout North America, while continuing to innovate and introduce more viable and sustainable growing and packaging solutions.
SOURCE: Nature Fresh Farms | info@naturefresh.ca T: 519 326 1111 | www.naturefresh.ca
PODCAST: Greenhouse Structures
This podcast will cover these questions and more. What is the budget for your greenhouse project?
Does the land have sufficient exposure to natural light? What kind of crop will you be growing?
Joe Swartz & Nick Greens | 12/4/2020
This podcast will cover these questions and more:
What is the budget for your greenhouse project?
Does the land have sufficient exposure to natural light?
What kind of crop will you be growing?
Center of Excellence Announces: Indoor Farming "Best in Class" Awards!
Indoor Farming
"Best in Class" Awards!
Who Can Enter
Indoor vertical farms
Plant factories
Greenhouses
Grow system solution manufacturers
Lighting companies
How to Enter
Go to: https://indooragcenter.org/awards/
Deadline for Submissions: January 15, 2021
Companies that score the highest in each category will be nominated for an “Indoor Ag Center Best in Class Award” (TM).
Learn More
Our vision is to accelerate the growth of the indoor farming industry. We believe we can do that by recognizing excellence. Consequently, we have embarked upon an ambitious program to collect bench-marking data on indoor farm operations and equipment used to run vertical farms and greenhouses. Each year we will review the data and publicly recognize key stakeholders for their excellence in several categories.
Become a Member of the Center of Excellence for Indoor Ag
Know an organization or an individual who would like to join the Center? Please forward this email.
Anyone can sign up for our mailing list or a free or paid membership by going to: https://indooragcenter.org
We are dedicated to providing unbiased insights on indoor and vertical farming.
Join the Center of Excellence
JAPAN: Producing Electricity While Producing Wine Thanks To A Greenhouse
Fujisan Winery is building the new greenhouse as part of a sustainability model on how they operate as a company and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals as adopted by the Fujinomiya Administrative County where the winery is located
The ASX-listed ClearVue Technologies has landed its first order in relation to a greenhouse project.
The order for about 30 square meters of ClearVue’s insulated window or glass units, or “IGUs” incorporating solar photovoltaic cells came from the Japanese company Fujisan Winery, which is located at the base of tourist mecca Mount Fuji in Japan.
Fujisan Winery is building the new greenhouse as part of a sustainability model on how they operate as a company and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals as adopted by the Fujinomiya Administrative County where the winery is located. The greenhouse is to be located on the Asagiri Plateau at the southwest base of Mt Fuji with spectacular views across the plateau to the Mt Fuji volcano itself. The region is a key destination for tourists and visitors to Mt Fuji.
The greenhouse is to be used by the winery to grow produce and vine stock on-site and may be used for corporate events and promotion for the winery. In addition to the greenhouse, Fujisan Winery will build a new 40 seat fine dining restaurant adjacent to the greenhouse and other outbuildings as part of a larger winery expansion project.
The ClearVue IGU panels are currently being manufactured for expected delivery in Japan by the end of December 2020 with the installation of the glazing into the newly constructed sustainable greenhouse anticipated to commence by late January 2021. The greenhouse is expected to be opened with the winery restaurant in or around March 2021.
Commenting on the greenhouse, Architect for the project, Paul Ma has said: “We specialize in the master planning of sustainable resort projects. When we first met with ClearVue founder Victor Rosenberg we were simply blown away by the potential for deployment of the ClearVue technology and product into our sustainable architectural design projects. We have watched with interest the continued commercialization of the ClearVue product to this point and can now explore how we might deploy it in our client work.
The greenhouse project in Japan whilst small is a great project for us to use as an example for such future project work and represents a great showpiece for Fujisan Winery who have a deep commitment to sustainability in their wine production and business operations. The region in which they operate the winery also has a stated commitment to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and seeks the same from its constituents. The winery expansion project will explore several different sustainable solutions in addition to the ClearVue technology and will itself become a destination and showcase for sustainable design worldwide.
Commenting on the Fujisan Winery greenhouse project, ClearVue CEO Ken Jagger has said: “We are very pleased to be working with the Paul Ma Design team on this leading-edge sustainable design project. The innovative and high-profile nature of the project and this use of the ClearVue product is an exciting development for the Company. We very much look forward to both updating the market on the Fujisan Winery greenhouse as it progresses and to a long working relationship with the Paul Ma Design team on future projects.”
For more information:
ClearVue PV
http://www.clearvuepv.com/
27 Nov 2020
INDIA: Simply Fresh Receives ‘Telangana Best Brand Award’ by CMO Asia
The awards recognize, identify, and celebrate outstanding brand building & marketing initiatives by organizations, individuals, and teams for their innovation, uniqueness, consistency, and performance
The Award Recognizes The Best
And Most Innovative Brands Across Categories
Hyderabad, 01 December 2020: Simply Fresh, has been awarded the ‘Telangana Best Brand’ award by CMO Asia ‘2020. The award was presented at a virtual felicitation ceremony. The awards recognize, identify, and celebrate outstanding brand building & marketing initiatives by organizations, individuals, and teams for their innovation, uniqueness, consistency, and performance.
Simply Fresh, an innovative agri-tech startup, using precision farming techniques, has commissioned India’s largest 140-acre ‘Plant Factory’ in Telangana. The company uses plant profiling & nutrient management in climate-controlled greenhouses. The greenhouses have retractable roofs & walls, are equipped with growing systems (benches, gutters, pots, etc.), and supported by AI-driven fertigation and irrigation system. Simply Fresh leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) through its proprietary software Farm in A Box (FiAB), which tracks the plant’s life cycle from the initial stage of seeding, plant profiling, monitoring plant health, and nutrient level requirement at each stage of growth. This gives the brand ‘Simply Fresh’ the unique attributes of transparency and ensures quality and consistency in the product.
Speaking on the recognition Mr. Sachin Darbarwar, Founder and CEO of Simply Fresh India said “It is a great honour to receive the award from CMO Asia this year. The award encourages us to work hard and bring outstanding quality for produce including nutraceutical crops, medicinal & aromatic plants, leafy greens, and vine crops using precision farming techniques; for the customers through sustainable agriculture practices.”
About Simply Fresh India:
Simply Fresh Private Limited was founded in 2013 by two Indian software engineers, based in Australia, Sachin Darbarwar (CEO) and Shweta Darbarwar (CMO). With a strong understanding of the technical processes associated with farming techniques, the duo shifted back to their hometown Hyderabad, where they started implementing the latest farming techniques that are inspired by international farming practices.
Simply Fresh uses global technology in farming based on international standards using precision farming techniques. The farm uses AI technology in farming for growing, nourishing, picking, and processing. Farming uses sustainable practices that do not exhaust natural resources. Simply Fresh Farms produces a full line of Medicinal plants and fresh produce year-round at our greenhouses located in Hyderabad. They are a grower-owned processor adhering to industry-leading food safety and quality standards.
For more information please Visit Us on: simplyfresh.co.in
For more information please contact: KONNECTIONS
Anurag Kumar - 8686072400 / anurag.kumar@konnections.co.in
Leamington, Ontario Greenhouse Opportunity
The surrounding area is one of the best locations for greenhouse growing in Canada and notably possesses more built greenhouse acreage than all of the United States’ industry combined
A brand new 1.3 million sq. ft. state-of-the-art greenhouse is available in Leamington, Ontario. Leamington, well-known as North America’s greenhouse capital, is well connected to major regional population centres in Southern Ontario, Quebec, and northeastern United States. The surrounding area is one of the best locations for greenhouse growing in Canada and notably possesses more built greenhouse acreage than all of the United States’ industry combined.
The glass greenhouse facility, which was completed in 2020 for the purposes of cannabis cultivation, possesses a 24’ clear ceiling height and growing systems which could support both cannabis or general agriculture purposes. The turnkey facility contains a fully automated Priva control system along with full climate control and nutrient delivery systems.
BMO Capital Markets has been engaged to solicit interest in, and opportunities for, a sale of, or investment in, the existing cannabis business and/or the sale of all, or substantially all of the assets owned by the business, including the greenhouse property, with the objective of maximizing value.
The current licensed operations contain 135,000 square feet of licensed nursery infrastructure and cultivation areas with a maximum capacity of ~36,000 plants per room. Low-cost production infrastructure is in place with significant potential operating leverage as the facility scales. The facility was developed using a transformative approach to production, integrating a high degree of automation, lean manufacturing processes, and commercial agricultural best practices.
On September 15, 2020, PharmHouse Inc. (“PharmHouse”) was granted protection pursuant to an order (as amended and restated, the “Initial Order”) issued under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the “Court”). Pursuant to the Initial Order, Ernst & Young Inc. was appointed as a monitor of PharmHouse (in such capacity, the “Monitor”). Pursuant to an order dated October 29, 2020 (the “SISP Approval Order”) the Court approved the sale and investment solicitation process (the “SISP”) and the engagement of BMO Capital Markets as advisor to PharmHouse in respect of the SISP (the “SISP Advisor”).
The SISP is intended to solicit interest in, and opportunities for, a sale of, or investment in, all or part of the assets and/or the business of PharmHouse (the “Opportunity”). The Opportunity may include one or more of a sale of all, substantially all or one or more components of PharmHouse’s property and business as a going concern or otherwise or a potential restructuring, recapitalization or other forms of reorganization of the business and affairs of PharmHouse as a going concern.
The SISP is a two-phased process with the Phase 1 bid deadline set for November 30, 2020.
Those interested in participating in the SISP should contact the SISP Advisor to receive additional information at:
BMO Capital Markets
100 King Street West, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M5X 1H3
Attention: Bradley Harris and Andrew Lai
Email: bradley.harris@bmo.com andrews.lai@bmo.com
Copies of the SISP Approval Order and the SISP may be obtained from the website of the Monitor at www.ey.com/ca/pharmhouse.
Publication date: Thu 26 Nov 2020
Nature Fresh Farms Wins Presidents Choice Fresh Product of The Year Award
Each year the award is distributed by Loblaw Companies Limited to one of their nominees. The criteria requires the product to be unique and stand alone as first to market in Canada, additionally, it must be a commercial success
Leamington, ON (November 25, 2020) – This year Nature Fresh Farms proudly accepted the PC Fresh Product of the Year Award for their Ontario Greenhouse Mixiany Cherry Tomatoes.
Each year the award is distributed by Loblaw Companies Limited to one of their nominees. The criteria requires the product to be unique and stand alone as first to market in Canada, additionally, it must be a commercial success, that is, it needed to have generated further sales and profit, thus having a major impact on the category for the period. The winner is determined by a ballot vote by colleagues of Loblaw Companies Ltd, with the award being presented virtually this year.
“We are honored and excited to receive this award as it truly is a testament to our team’s commitment to research and development,” said Vice President John Ketler. “Innovation is an integral part of the Nature Fresh Farms identity and thanks to our Discovery Center we are able to bring fresh flavorful product, like our Mixiany Tomatoes, to market.”
The Mixiany Cherry Tomatoes were performing very well in their research trials and were officially launched in Spring of 2020. This is a significant accomplishment for Nature Fresh Farms as the criteria for the award covered products launched between Fall 2017 to Summer 2020.
“We’d like to thank the entire LBL-PC team for their support and confidence in our product,” shared Director of Sales, Matt Quiring. “Our Mixiany Cherry Tomatoes is just one example of how our devotion to quality and flavor is reflected in our products and it is extremely rewarding to see it received so well by both Loblaws and our consumers.”
Nature Fresh Farms research team works hard at identifying these new varieties that taste exceptional and continue to look for new opportunities to offer more products to consumers. PC Greenhouse Mixiany is available in supermarkets owned and operated by Loblaw Companies Ltd and can be found in Ontario, Quebec and The East.
-30-
About Nature Fresh Farms -
Continuously expanding, Nature Fresh Farms has become one of the largest independent, vertically integrated greenhouse vegetable farms in North America. As a year-round grower with farms in Leamington, ON, Delta, OH, and Mexico, Nature Fresh Farms prides itself on consistently delivering exceptional flavor and quality to key retailers throughout North America, while continuing to innovate and introduce more viable and sustainable growing and packaging solutions.
SOURCE: Nature Fresh Farms | info@naturefresh.ca T: 519 326 1111 | www.naturefresh.ca
VIDEOS: The Technologies Helping Move Agriculture Indoors
As more agriculture moves indoors, Israeli technologies are moving in with them to optimize lighting, watering, temperature, and other factors for an efficient and effective operation. Greenhouses and urban farm factories are expensive to set up but pay off in higher yield, quality, and market value, growing all through the seasons.
Greenhouses and urban farm factories are expensive to set up but pay off in higher yield, quality, and market value, growing all through the seasons.
A pick-yourself strawberry farm in China built inside an Azrom greenhouse. Photo courtesy of Azrom
Grain crops will always need large fields. But tomatoes, leafy greens, peppers, and strawberries are some of the many fruits and veggies that thrive indoors under precisely controlled conditions.
Though it costs more to raise produce in greenhouses or urban “farm factories,” the payoff is higher yield, quality, and market value. The plants can grow year-round with less fertilizer and pesticide.
As more agriculture moves indoors, Israeli technologies are moving in with them to optimize lighting, watering, temperature, and other factors for an efficient and effective operation.
Sarai Kemp, vice president of deal flow at Trendlines AgriFood. Photo: courtesy
“There is a growing trend for traditional greenhouse farming and indoor hydroponic and vertical farming for certain types of crops,” says Sarai Kemp, vice president of deal flow at Trendlines AgriFood based in Israel with branches in China and Singapore.
Kemp tells ISRAEL21c that most greenhouse-grown tomatoes go straight to consumers while most field-grown tomatoes go into items like ketchup.
“Growing indoors helps you produce more in a better environment than in open fields,” she says. “Farmers invest in technology for greenhouses because they can control the growing environment and sell the produce at a higher value.”
Kemp says a lot of indoor farming technology originated in Israel. “We have the experience, capability, and technology to provide monitoring solutions.”
Europe is the main market for Israeli indoor farming technology, and Kemp notes that a new market has opened closer to home.
“The United Arab Emirates is very interested in indoor farming because of the desert conditions that make it difficult to grow in open fields there.”
Let’s look at a few Israeli solutions for indoor farming.
Greenhouse experts
This 5.5-acre medical cannabis greenhouse complex in Greece is covered with f-CLEAN, a durable polymer offering exceptional light transmission and energy savings. Photo courtesy of Azrom
One of the oldest market leaders in the greenhouse farming business is Azrom, a family company that has specialized in designing, building, and installing fully customized greenhouse systems since 1979.
“That’s all we do,” says Zviki Porat, Azrom’s international marketing manager. “We started exporting in 1979 to Greece and since then we have done about 1,500 projects in more than 70 countries.”
In the old days, technology meant simple drip irrigation. Today, Azrom partners with Israeli research institutes and ag-tech companies to stay a step ahead of the greenhouse technologies curve.
“Now it’s a whole package of high-tech systems that lead to much higher yields and monitor processes better, including weather and topography, planning, designing, engineering, and remote controls,” says Porat.
Also in the early days, greenhouse crops were raised in the ground. Today, most farmers opt for hydroponics – growing in soil-free mediums.
“There are 10 kinds of platforms to choose from in hydroponics, so it’s much more complicated today to plan and price a greenhouse system,” says Porat.
Four kinds of crops growing under one greenhouse roof in Belarus. Photo courtesy of Azrom
“And every year more crops are being grown in greenhouses because land is in short supply. The main crops are vegetables, strawberries, ornamental flowers, and medical cannabis. But you can even grow watermelon, pineapple, and mango indoors where they stay warm and are exposed to fewer pests.”
In addition to Asia and Europe, Azrom has projects planned in Louisiana (US) and Dubai (UAE).
“Greenhouse growing requires a high investment. But you pollute less because you don’t spray as much, and you can collect and reuse water and even fertilizer,” Porat says. “So we have a lot to contribute to desert agriculture.”
Hydroponic greenhouse factories
A British-Israeli venture formed from a merger of two established companies about eight years ago, Growponics designs and builds automated hydroponic greenhouse factories in urban settings.
“You can grow vegetables all year round in greenhouses in many places, like in California’s Salinas Valley. But that is not where the population is,” says founder Lior Hessel.
Hessel says shipping costs today account for more than 80% of the landed cost of vegetables – that is, the total expense to get a product to its destination.
“Local greenhouse farming is expensive, but it pays off compared to shipping costs,” Hessel tells ISRAEL21c. “In the last 10 years, a new trend is local production with a lower landed price and lower carbon footprint.”
Still, for a massive greenhouse factory to be profitable, its steep capital and operating expenses must be offset by maximizing yield per square meter, Hessel explains.
“In Growponics we do this by using automation. The plants move on conveyers. We eliminate aisles, which normally take up 15 to 20% of greenhouse space; and we adjust the spacing between plants in different parts of the growth cycle. That alone can increase yield by more than 40% on top of the savings from eliminating aisles. It’s a gamechanger when you put them together.”
With funding in part from the Israel Innovation Authority, Growponics invests heavily in R&D in cooperation with institutes in Israel, the UK, and continental Europe.
One innovation is a data collection robot that supplements the data collection done by sensors in the greenhouses. Another is organic fertilizer produced via atmospheric nitrogen fixation, which uses bacteria to make nitrogen in the air available to plants. This technology won Growponics the European Union’s Seal of Excellence and €2.5 million in funding to implement it in Europe.
Growponics has three sites in Israel, accounting for more than 70% of domestic hydroponics.
“In Europe, we registered a new company in Greece to do more than $4 million in projects,” says Hessel, “and we are going to the UAE as part of an Israeli business delegation before the end of the year.”
Three years ago, Growponics established a two-acre greenhouse factory in Connecticut that sells its produce to New England supermarket chains. Further US expansion is planned with local partners as owner-operators to handle marketing and distribution.
Lighting and growing system
“Indoor growing demands scientific knowledge of what each plant needs and when,” says Daniel Levin, founder of Tel Aviv-headquartered Growor, whose indoor agriculture system can reduce overall costs up to 40 percent (up to 70% electricity saving alone) while increasing yield by about 30%.
The business started five years ago with a light-bulb idea, literally.
Pharma-grade cannabis thriving under Growor’s lighting system. Photo: courtesy
The smart LED light, which can manipulate outcomes such as tomato color and juiciness, was developed by Levin’s business partner Michael Naich, now CEO of Growor and its companion R&D company Group 1607 (so named because both their birthdays are on July 16).
But lighting alone wasn’t enough. Indoor farmers must control and monitor a variety of inputs such as water, nutrients, temperature, and humidity.
“Because we had so much data from our lighting system, we were able to develop a full dynamic protocol for any kind of indoor growing,” says Levin. “The protocols adapt to help each plant feel it is in the best conditions at any time and location.”
Energy-efficient LED lighting retains a starring role in the Growor system, which includes sensors, AI software, and a mobile app to manage cultivation remotely.
“We adjust the rest of the parameters to the light parameters because only light can manipulate the plant’s behavior drastically. More or less water, or more or less fertilizer, won’t change a tomato’s color.”
Growor has pilot projects in Israel, North America, Europe, and Asia for growing flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pharma-grade cannabis. The latter crop, says Levin, is raised in clean rooms and must be reliably stable and consistent because “there’s no room for surprises.”
Robotic indoor harvesting
The higher yield in indoor agriculture requires more farmhands, and that’s a problem.
“One of most the urgent issues today is a labor shortage because most activities are done manually,” says MetoMotion CEO Adi Nir.
MetoMotion is developing a robotic system that automates labor-intensive greenhouse tasks and simultaneously gathers actionable data to improve yield and quality.
MetoMotion’s GRoW robot picks tomatoes and performs other labor-intensive tasks in greenhouses. Photo: courtesy
This portfolio company of The Trendlines Group has been testing its unique GRoW robotic tomato harvester in Israel and in The Netherlands in partnership with Bayer Crop Science.
“Since March we haven’t been able to travel from our offices in Yokne’am,” says Nir. “Our team there works with the robot and the software is operated mainly from here. This reduces the amount of staff needed at the greenhouse.
“You always need people too, but the robots work autonomously and from the office, you can see yield and yield forecast and other actionable data collected and transmitted to the cloud.”
The first commercial GRoW units will be shipped to a few farmers in Europe for evaluation in the next eight months.
“We are currently focused on tomatoes, but the platform can be adapted to different vegetables,” says Nir. GRoW also can be adapted to perform pruning, pollination, and de-leafing.
Wall to fork
As ISRAEL21c previously reported, “green walls” can provide insulation, air purification, and aesthetic landscaping to the interior or exterior of buildings.
They can also produce salad greens, mushrooms, and strawberries in an urban space-saving way.
However, vertical farming is still quite limited because to be profitable “you have to either grow more or save on costs of labor or resources such as electricity,” Sarai Kemp from Trendlines tells ISRAEL21c.
Among several Israeli vertical farming startups working to make this model viable are Verticanna and Vertical Field.
Verticanna, in the seed investment stage with two medical cannabis pilots running in Israel, aims to revolutionize vertical hydroponic growing systems for crops including, uniquely, citrus fruit.
Vertical Field of Ra’anana makes the Vertical Farm, a modular, moveable soil-based platform that can grow 200 types of organic, pesticide-free crops and requires no special training to operate.
The Vertical Farm can grow hundreds of types of crops indoors or outdoors at a supermarket, restaurant or another retail outlet. Photo courtesy of Vertical Field
Vertical Farm can be placed in a 20-foot or 40-foot standalone container equipped with advanced sensors that monitor, irrigate, and fertilize crops throughout every growth stage.
Vertical Farms are up and running at some Israeli supermarkets and at Farmers & Chefs restaurant in Poughkeepsie, NY, and at Evergreen Kosher Market in Monsey, NY. Expansion across other US cities is planned.
“We offer an easy-to-use real alternative to traditional agriculture,” CEO Guy Elitzur said. “Our urban farms give new meaning to the term ‘farm-to-table,’ because one can pick their own pesticide-free greens and herbs at supermarkets, restaurants, or other retail sites.”
The Israeli startup was cited by Silicon Review as one of “50 Innovative Companies to Watch in 2019” and named by World Smart City in 2019 as “Best Startup.”
Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a major daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.
Investment Projects On Construction And Modernization of Greenhouse Complexes Will Be Presented At The 5th Anniversary International Forum And Exhibition Greenhouse Complexes Russia & CIS 2020
The well-being of our guests and participants is the top priority for our company, so this year “Greenhouse Complexes of Russia and CIS” Forum will be held in “hybrid format”. The event will take place on 2-4 December 2020
Date: 2 - 4 December 2020
Place: Moscow, Baltschug Kempinski
Organized by: Vostock Capital
Tel.: +44 207 394 3090
E-mail: Events@vostockcapital.com
Website: https://www.greenhousesforum.com/en/
The well-being of our guests and participants is the top priority for our company, so this year “Greenhouse Complexes of Russia and CIS” Forum will be held in “hybrid format”. The event will take place on 2-4 December 2020. We are delighted to welcome the participants at the traditional venue – Baltschug Kempinski hotel and on the online platform at the same time. Every delegate will be able to choose the most convenient format of networking.
We have already held a successful event in this format. More testimonies to link.
5th Anniversary International Forum and Exhibition Greenhouse Complexes Russia & CIS 2020 – is an established professional international platform for attracting investment in the Greenhouse Industry of Russia, discussing industry development strategies, exchanging experience between key market players, and signing new win-win contracts.
The Forum is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
Silver sponsor: SVETOGOR. Bronze sponsors: Unitec, Pylot, FITO. Onsite Visit Sponsor: Osram.
Onsite Visits Partners: “Agrokultura Group” Greenhouse Complex, “Podosinki” Greenhouse Complex.
The Forum unites investors from Europe and the CIS, initiators of greenhouse projects for from all regions of Russia, senior executives from federal and regional agricultural holdings, representatives of Russian regulating agencies, heads of the regions, top managers from retail chains and service companies, presidents of national unions and associations as well as investors from Asia.
Among the confirmed companies 2020: ECO-Culture, Stavropol Flavour, Greenhouse, Ovoschevod, Grow Group Azerbaijan, Yagodnaya Dolina, Tander, X5 Retail Group, Agricultural Complex Gorkovskiy, Agrocombine Moskovskiy, MC AgroPark Plody s Gryadki, Yug-Agro, ECO-farm Mazilovo, Trading House Vyborgec, Green Farmer, Sun Valley, Growth Technology, Yagodnaya Dolina, Udmurt Flowers, FITO, MWM RUS, Horti XS BV, Pylot, AgroBioTechnology, and many others.
Register Now - https://www.greenhousesforum.com/en/registration/
Forum Highlights 2020:
• 500+ senior executives of major commercial greenhouses and agriholdings from Russia and the CIS – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, as well as investors, government officials, chief agronomists, heads of retails chains and service providers
• NEW! 2 ONSITE VISITS to state-of-the-art greenhouse complexes - “AGROKULTURA GROUP” (vegetable farming) and “PODOSINKI” (flower cultivation)
• Leaders debate: The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, agriholdings, investors, initiators. How will the greenhouse industry evolve after the pandemic?
• Greenhouse investment projects on construction and modernisation to be developed in 2021-2025 from all Russian regions and the CIS
• NEW! CITY FARMING. Development prospects of the city farming trend in Russia and the CIS
• FOCUS-SESSION: Diversification – MICROGREENS, LETTUCE, PARSLEY, DILL, AND OTHER GREEN CROPS. If not cucumbers and tomatoes, what else can grow in a greenhouse?
• HOW MODERN GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGIES CAN OPTIMISE PRODUCTION? How can innovations boost the greenhouse industry?
• GREENHOUSE MARKETING. How to sell food from the greenhouse properly? Success formula by major producers
• IMPORTANT! POWER SUPPLY IN THE GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY. How to cut power expenses?
• SELLING GREENHOUSE PRODUCTS How to build cooperation with retail chains?
• AGRONOMY DAY - specialized workshops on growing vegetables. How to boost plant fertility and resistance?
• Specialised exhibition of advanced equipment and technology for greenhouses by the lead companies from the Netherlands, Israel, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other countries
• Fast and efficient! Roadshow of innovative technologies and equipment by the global leaders
• Evening cocktails
Register now - https://www.greenhousesforum.com/en/registration/
AppHarvest Plants First Tomato Crop With Harvest Expected In Grocery Stores Early Next Year
The Morehead facility spans 2.76 million square feet, the equivalent of 45 football fields. It’s the first of a series of indoor farms designed to redefine American agriculture by growing non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free fruits and vegetables using 100% recycled rainwater at locations closer to the people eating them
AppHarvest today announced it has planted its first tomato crop at the company’s high-tech controlled environment agriculture facility in Morehead, Ky. The crop is scheduled to be harvested and available at leading U.S. grocery stores in early 2021.
The Morehead facility spans 2.76 million square feet, the equivalent of 45 football fields. It’s the first of a series of indoor farms designed to redefine American agriculture by growing non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free fruits and vegetables using 100% recycled rainwater at locations closer to the people eating them. From its base in Appalachia, AppHarvest can reach nearly 70% of Americans in less than a day’s drive. The company and its mission represent a stark change to the existing American food system, which is increasingly reliant on imports.
The Morehead facility
“Today is an important milestone for AppHarvest as we seek to build a more resilient American food system from within Appalachia,” said AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb. “Our team has built one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced indoor farms, which means AppHarvest’s tomatoes soon will be on store shelves and in American homes. This is just the first step for us. To transform agriculture in America, we need to do this on a large scale, and we’re already taking steps to do just that with construction underway on two more facilities totaling about 75 acres of growing space.”
AppHarvest’s tomatoes are scheduled to be in grocery stores in the first quarter of 2021, and the company reaffirms its expectations to begin recognizing revenues at that time.
AppHarvest chose tomatoes as its first crop because more than 60% of America’s fresh tomatoes were imported in 2019, an increase of almost 50% over the past decade. By growing closer to where people eat, AppHarvest’s tomatoes will be picked at peak ripeness and delivered quickly to grocers. AppHarvest is providing Americans with tomatoes that are locally grown using only recycled rainwater and no chemical pesticides. AppHarvest’s worker-first philosophy also promotes fair labor practices.
In addition to the Morehead, Ky., facility, AppHarvest is already building two additional high-tech controlled environment agriculture indoor farms. The first will be comparable in size to the company’s flagship operation in Morehead, Ky., and is located outside Richmond, Ky. The third, located in Berea, Ky., will be 15 acres and grow leafy greens. Why leafy greens? American production is concentrated in Arizona and California, which combine to produce 90% of U.S.-grown leafy greens. These states are in the midst of a decades-long drought and are consuming precious water resources. By contrast, Central Appalachia, where AppHarvest is investing in building controlled environment agriculture facilities, has an abundance of rain, so much so that the facilities can be operated on 100% recycled rainwater.
Educational Indoor Controlled Environment Facility
How else is AppHarvest different from traditional agriculture companies?
AppHarvest puts the planet and people first as a Public Benefit Corporation and has also been certified as a B Corp by the nonprofit B Lab. The company is one of only 3,600 certified B Corps and will become one of just a dozen publicly traded public benefit corporations upon the completion of its business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: NOVS). The B Corp certification process analyzed
AppHarvest’s commitment to forward-thinking initiatives across community, customers, environment, governance, and workers.
The company’s controlled environment agriculture facilities are designed to reduce water usage by 90% due to unique circular irrigation systems connected with large-scale rainwater retention ponds. The closed-loop system runs entirely off 100% recycled rainwater and is designed to eliminate harmful agricultural runoff, which contributes to toxic algae blooms.
Strong relationships with leading AgTech universities and companies in the Netherlands position AppHarvest as a leading applied technology agriculture company. The Netherlands has developed a significant high-tech greenhouse industry, becoming the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite having a landmass roughly equal in size to Eastern Kentucky. Earlier this year, AppHarvest led a landmark 17-organization agreement uniting Dutch and Kentucky governments, universities, and private companies, with all committing to building America’s AgTech capital from within Appalachia.
In just over two years, AppHarvest has attracted more than $150 million in investment into Central Appalachia and announced on September 29, 2020, its entry into a definitive agreement for a business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: NOVS). The combination, which is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early in the first quarter of 2021, is expected to provide $475 million of gross proceeds to the company, including $375 million from a fully committed common stock PIPE at $10.00 per share anchored by existing and new investors – including Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Inclusive Capital, and Novus Capital Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named AppHarvest and is expected to remain listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol APPH.
AppHarvest’s investors include Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Inclusive Capital Partners, Equilibrium, Narya Capital, Lupa Systems, Breyer Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst. Endeavor selected AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2019.
Board members include food icon Martha Stewart, Narya Capital Co-Founder, and Partner JD Vance, Impossible Foods Chief Financial Officer David Lee, and impact investor Jeff Ubben.
About AppHarvest
AppHarvest is an applied technology company building some of the world’s largest indoor farms in Appalachia. The Company combines conventional agricultural techniques with cutting-edge technology and is addressing key issues including improving access for all to nutritious food, farming more sustainably, building a home-grown food supply, and increasing investment in Appalachia. The Company’s 60-acre Morehead, KY facility is among the largest indoor farms in the U.S.
For more information, visit https://www.appharvest.com/.
Earth911 Podcast: Eden Green CEO Eddy Badrina Talks About Vertical Greenhouse Farming
Eden Green licenses the growing system to urban farmers who can set up in old buildings and warehouses to grow fresh greens, berries, and peppers year-round
Earth911 | Nov 9, 2020
Earth911 talks with Eden Green CEO Eddy Badrina about the company’s vertical greenhouses that will help the world grow locally and end food insecurity. While Americans expect to buy fresh product year-round, flying foods from Central America and the Southern Hemisphere carries a heavy environmental cost. Urban farming can fill in critical gaps in local food supplies, providing year-round, locally grown fresh produce.
Eden Green licenses the growing system to urban farmers who can set up in old buildings and warehouses to grow fresh greens, berries, and peppers year-round. The system uses natural light augmented by lighting on cloudy days, along with recycled water to substantially reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional farming. Badrina discusses the pressing need for food production and security to serve a growing population.
EDEN GREEN CEO EDDY BADRINA
Eden Green Technologies built a research and development greenhouse farm in Cleburne, Texas, and is preparing to launch its first commercial farming operation. The farm system includes 18-foot vertical hydroponic growing racks, lighting, and climate management equipment. With this system, a 1.5-acre urban farm can grow around 900,000 pounds of salad greens or 50 other types of produce annually, harvesting fresh produce daily for local consumption. The Eden Green systems delivers produce that is “better than organic,” Badrina said, that grows year-round, in any climate.
Badrina explains that urban farms will open new employment opportunities and encourage growers to give back to their communities. The Eden Green team will work with investors and local communities to work out the financing, build the farm, train the staff, and launch the business before handing it over to the local operator.
Listen to the podcast at Earth911.com.
To learn more about Eden Green and vertical greenhouses, visit edengreen.com.
Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunes
Follow Sustainability In Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube
Jellyfish Barge: The Floating, Modular Greenhouse
Studiomobile and Pnat came up with the Jellyfish Barge which is a floating, modular greenhouse designed especially for coastal communities and can help them cultivate crops without relying on soil, freshwater, and chemical energy consumption
By 2050, the global demand for food is expected to be 60-70% higher than today at the rate our population is increasing. There will be a scarcity of water and cultivable land and we need to solve this issue before we enter a global food crisis.
Agriculture is already being threatened by climate change where in some parts things like rising sea levels are causing floods in fertile land and the weather is making it more challenging to grow crops in other parts. To avoid a major food crisis, we need to come up with alternative solutions for agriculture like this floating greenhouse which can give nature time to recuperate and us some time to switch to more sustainable habits.
Studiomobile and Pnat came up with the Jellyfish Barge which is a floating, modular greenhouse designed especially for coastal communities and can help them cultivate crops without relying on soil, freshwater, and chemical energy consumption.
The innovative greenhouse uses solar energy to purify salt, brackish, or polluted water. There are 7 solar desalination units planted around the perimeter and are able to produce 150 liters (39.6 gallons) of clean freshwater every day from the existing water body the greenhouse is floating on.
The simple materials, easy self-construction, and low-cost technologies make it accessible to many communities who may not have a big fund. The module has a 70 square meter wooden base that floats on 96 recycled plastic drums and supports a glass greenhouse where the crops grow.
Read more at Yanko Design (Ruchi Thukral)
9 Novembert 2020
INDIA: Farm To Fork, The Hi-Tech Way
The lockdown has created a new food chain for both the urban farming community growing produce on home terraces and agriculturists on conventional farms
Hyderabad-based Simply Fresh has commissioned India’s largest high-tech ‘plant factory’, spread across 140 acres.
November 1, 2020
Lead photo: Greens from Simply_Fresh
The lockdown has created a new food chain for both the urban farming community growing produce on home terraces and agriculturists on conventional farms. Artificial Intelligence and new machinery are making it efficient and progressive. For example, an IIT Madras app offers a seed-to-plate supply chain. NeerX Technolabs’s low-cost sensors are even used by ISRO and IARI to replace expensive imported remote sensors.
Cloud cues
From red tape bureaucracy to ignorance, prevents data across categories. Cloud Cues, a project led by IIT Mandi, brings data on a single platform to be distributed according to need. “Small-scale farmers benefit by sharing resources such as weather prediction, irrigation, soil nutrition, seed selection, disease and pest control, surveillance and market access and credit.
Crop protocols being explained to a
farmer by AB InBev
Water saver
Bengaluru-based Gourmet Garden focuses on improving water and nutrient use in sustainable farming sensor-based technology. It automatically assesses nutrition delicacy and auto-fertilises soil thereby reducing water use by over 90 percent. It can be controlled through a mobile phone or computer. “All plants will get uniform nutrition,” says Arjun Balaji and Vishal Narayanswamy, Co-founders, Gourmet Garden, a company that deals with hydroponics.
Artificial intelligence
Hyderabad-based Simply Fresh has commissioned India’s largest high-tech ‘plant factory’, spread across 140 acres. “We use AI-based precision farming, climate e-engineering, and hydroponics. From growing to processing, it’s cheaper than expensive US operations,” says Sachin Darbarwar, CEO. The company has developed proprietary software for farm management.
Supply chain solution
Smart Barley: AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer, works with KisanHub, an agri-food supply chain company, to empower farmers to manage their supply chain, identify and resolve risks, make large-scale supply planning decisions and improve sustainability.
Machine learning
Agrojay platform: The horticulture app implemented in Nashik, Maharashra, is used by more than 22,500 people for online consultation for predictions, crop patterns, and sales to highly rated traders via AI and Machine Learning.
US: MAINE - Planning Board Signals Support For Vertical Greenhouse/Parking Garage In Downtown Westbrook
The $60 million project is a collaboration between the city and developers that would see the Mechanic Street parking lot downtown turned into a free parking garage, topped with over 50 apartments and a Vertical Harvest farm along the structure’s side
The Vertical Harvest Project Will Go
To The Planning Board For Approval In November
AMERICAN JOURNAL
BY CHANCE VILES
The Westbrook Planning Board will vote Nov. 3 on a proposed $60 million combination greenhouse, apartment complex and parking garage. Courtesy
WESTBROOK— Planning Board members spoke in favor of a multi-use parking garage and vertical greenhouse at a public hearing Oct. 20.
The $60 million project is a collaboration between the city and developers that would see the Mechanic Street parking lot downtown turned into a free parking garage, topped with over 50 apartments and a Vertical Harvest farm along the structure’s side.
A rendering of what the view would be looking southwest from Main Street. Courtesy
“I love this project,” Ward 2 member Jason Frazier said. “It has jobs, parking, housing. It’s the perfect project.”
RELATED
Read more about the Vertical Harvest
The greenhouse would produce about 1 million pounds of food per year and bring in 56 full-time jobs with a focus on providing careers for people with disabilities.
“This is the equivalent of 40 acres worth of food, using 90% less land and water,” developer Nona Yehia said. “We recirculate all of the water we use in the greenhouse. … We aim for our food to be sold and consumed within the state of Maine and from farm-to-fork in less than 24 hours.”
The Planning Board members, on the right, look at the first-floor ground plan at their public hearing Oct. 20. Courtesy photo
The garage will be maintained by the developers, while city residents will still have access to over 400 free parking spaces.
Advertisement
According to Economic Development Director Dan Stevenson, they are confident the greenhouse will be successful, though developers did say that if need be, it could be turned into some other workspace.
“In my career, this is one of the strongest business models I have seen,” Economic Development Director Daniel Stevenson said.
RELATED
Read more about the whole project
“I am thrilled,” Ward 4 member Robin Tannenbaum said. “We are touching a lot of exciting areas and contributing to densification. To set the bar high, where there is still room, I’d like to see more development of the design to let the building sing.”
“Coming from the other side of the river into Main Street and into the downtown, that building is going to tower over all of these other, so why not?” Board Chairperson Rene Daniels said. “It would make it pop, it would be outstanding,”
The city will be paying $15 million for the parking garage through an agreement using tax revenue generated from the project, Stevenson said, meaning there will be no direct impact on taxpayers. Developers will take on $40 million of the cost.
“It’s been a goal of ours for a while to start expanding vertically downtown, and this meets that,” Ward 5 member Ed Reidman said.
The Planning Board will vote on the project Nov. 3.
A rendering of the building. Some Board members called for a more lively facade for the apartments on the top floor. Courtesy
Developers say there will be space outdoors with vegetation for some outdoor opportunities, as well as common spaces within the building for residents. Courtesy
Delta Singapore Showcases Smart And Green Solutions For Factory, Building And Farm Automation At its ITAP 2020 Virtual Event
In addition, Delta hosted a series of online training seminars about Delta's industrial automation, building automation, infrastructure, and vertical farming solutions. The seminars on building automation and vertical farming received the most positive feedback from attendees
October 27, 2020
ACROFAN=PRNewswire mediainquiries@prnewswire.com | SNS
An interactive experience of Delta Singapore's energy-efficient and innovative portfolio for the smart city
SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2020,/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Electronics Int'l (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., a provider of power and thermal management solutions, launched an innovative 3D virtual showcase of its smart and green and automation solutions for factory, building, and vertical farm operations at the Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) 2020. The online showcase featured products and solutions which enable industrial automation, building automation, data centers, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, mobile power, display and projector, and vertical farming.
Commenting on Delta Singapore's innovative digital exhibition, Mr. Jackie Chang, President of Delta in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia, said, "As an innovative solutions provider, Delta is excited to leverage digital technology to reach our audiences despite COVID-19 challenges. We welcome visitors to explore our new Singapore office on the online platform and see how Delta's automation, data centers, EV charging, mobile power, display and projector, and vertical farming will enable more energy efficiency and productivity in the next normal."
Ms. Cecilia Ku, General Manager of Delta Electronics (Singapore), said, "Due to the pandemic, business outlook and behaviors have changed tremendously. Smart automation can enable Singapore businesses to stay competitive in the region. As an innovative solutions provider, Delta Singapore is looking forward to collaborating with the industries and bring new ideas and solutions to local businesses."
ITAP 2020 was both the first trade event for Delta Singapore to attend since the COVID-19 pandemic and its first launch of a 3D virtual exhibit and tour experience. Visitors could get an exclusive look at Delta Singapore's offerings at a virtual model of the new company building located at 17 Kallang Junction.
Visitors to Delta's ITAP 2020 virtual exhibition freely explored Delta's latest solutions including:
Automation: Delta's automation solutions include industrial automation for factories. Delta's smart manufacturing and cloud-integrated smart manufacturing solutions combine high performance and reliable automation products with IIoT and cloud-based software systems to give a 360-degree monitoring view of manufacturing and boost productivity. Building automation solutions by Delta's subsidiaries, Loytec and Delta Controls, offer intuitive building management and automated control for efficient and livable indoor spaces. Delta's HVAC control solution integrates AC motor drives fans and pumps to save energy.
Infrastructure: Delta's scalable and modular data center solutions cover power and thermal management, facility infrastructure, and environment monitoring and control. Delta's EV charging portfolio ranges from AC EV chargers for residential and workplace applications all the way to DC fast chargers for filling stations. Delta's energy-saving video walls and large scale display solutions support indoor control rooms and malls as well as outdoor venues.
Smart Living: Delta's vertical farming solution is designed to increase productivity and automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture. Delta's brands, Vivitek, offers a broad range of display and projection solutions for personal, educational, and professional applications. Innergie power products offer maximum power and compact size for mobile devices.
Another highlight at the event was the signing of MOU among Singapore Polytechnic, TUV SUD, Delta Electronics Inc., and Singapore's Smart i4.0 Transformation Alliance (SiTA) to provide end-to-end Industry 4.0 (I4.0) solutions to small-medium enterprises, local large enterprises as well as multinational corporations in the manufacturing cluster.
At the same time, there was another signing of a MOU among Singapore Polytechnic and the Asian Development Bank for strategic collaboration to jointly establish Singapore's first Global Technology Innovation Village (GTiV). Delta is one of the 19 selected organizations that will support the GTiV which aims to allow more players in the region to step up on I4.0 adoption and push ahead with its business transformation plans.
In addition, Delta hosted a series of online training seminars about Delta's industrial automation, building automation, infrastructure, and vertical farming solutions. The seminars on building automation and vertical farming received the most positive feedback from attendees.
Visitors can experience Delta virtual showcase at https://www.deltaonlineshowroom.sg/.
About Delta Electronics Int'l (Singapore)
The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Electronics Inc. Delta, founded in 1971, is a global provider of switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, "To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow," Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its CSR-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers, and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.
Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies, and dedication to CSR. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices for 8 consecutive years. In 2017, Delta was selected by CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) for its Climate Change Leadership Level for the 2nd consecutive year.
For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com
Related Links :
https://www.deltaww.com/
Lead photo: Delta Singapore Showcases Smart and Green Solutions for Factory, Building and Farm Automation at its ITAP 2020 Virtual Event
AppHarvest Breaks Ground On Third High-Tech Greenhouse, Expands From Tomatoes Into Leafy Greens
The indoor facility will grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free leafy greens to be distributed to U.S. grocers and restaurants
October 26, 2020
Source: AppHarvest
Creates Eastern US Source of Crop Grown Primarily In California, Arizona
BEREA, Kentucky, Oct. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AppHarvest today announced it has started construction on a third high-tech controlled environment agriculture facility in Central Appalachia and is expanding into growing leafy greens. Located in Berea, KY, the farm, when complete, will be 15 acres.
The indoor facility will grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free leafy greens to be distributed to U.S. grocers and restaurants. Because of the company’s strategic location in Appalachia, AppHarvest can reach nearly 70% of Americans in just a day’s drive, reducing transportation costs by up to 80% compared to existing growers. American production is concentrated in Arizona and California, which combine to grow 90% of US-grown leafy greens.
These states are in the midst of a decades-long drought and are consuming precious water resources. By contrast, Central Appalachia, where AppHarvest is investing in building controlled environment agriculture facilities, has an abundance of rain. The facility in Berea, like AppHarvest’s other controlled environment agriculture facilities, will be designed to have its water needs met entirely by recycled rainwater using a closed-loop irrigation system where all water not absorbed by the plants is cleaned using sand and UV and then reused.
The facility will continue to expand AppHarvest's growing space in Central Appalachia. AppHarvest opened its flagship farm — a 2.76-million-square-foot facility growing tomatoes — last week in nearby Morehead, KY, and also broke ground for a second facility of similar size in Madison County outside Richmond, KY.
“With this facility, we will expand beyond vine crops to leafy greens, which face many of the same challenges in today’s broken food systems,” said AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb. “Leafy greens are grown almost exclusively in states with little water and then travel thousands of miles to most Americans. We’re working to create a more resilient American food system, and water usage is at the heart of the issue.”
Added Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley, “The city of Berea is thrilled to welcome AppHarvest to our community. Throughout the site selection process, it has become clear to me that Berea is a perfect fit for AppHarvest, and AppHarvest is a perfect fit for our city. We are very glad to be part of a truly revolutionary movement in AgTech.”
How is AppHarvest different from traditional agriculture companies?
The company’s greenhouses are designed to reduce water usage by 90% compared to traditional open-field agriculture due to unique irrigation systems connected with large-scale rainwater retention ponds. The system is designed to eliminate harmful agricultural runoff, which contributes to toxic algae blooms.
AppHarvest farms are located in water-rich Central Appalachia in contrast to much of America’s vegetable production that is concentrated in Arizona and California, states that continue to confront water scarcity and climate disruptions.
Strong relationships with leading AgTech universities and companies in the Netherlands position AppHarvest as a leading applied technology agriculture company. The Netherlands has developed a significant high-tech greenhouse industry, becoming the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite having a landmass roughly equal in size to Eastern Kentucky. Earlier this year, AppHarvest led a landmark 17-organization agreement uniting Dutch and Kentucky governments, universities, and private companies, with all committing to building America's AgTech capital from within Appalachia. Among the signatories is Berea College, which is based in Berea, KY.
“AppHarvest is such a forward-looking business organization, and we think it surely belongs in one of the most forward-looking towns in Kentucky,” said Berea College President Lyle Roelofs. “We look forward to many learning and participation opportunities for the Berea College faculty and students who are involved in our great programs in agriculture, sustainability, business, and computer science.”
In just over two years, AppHarvest has attracted more than $150 million in investment into Central Appalachia and announced on September 29 a definitive agreement for a business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: NOVS). The combination, which is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early in the first quarter of 2021, will provide $475 million of gross proceeds to the company, including $375 million fully committed common stock PIPE at $10.00 per share anchored by existing and new investors – including Fidelity Management & Research Company, LLC, Inclusive Capital, and Novus Capital Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named AppHarvest and is expected to remain listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol APPH.
AppHarvest’s investors include Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Inclusive Capital Partners, Equilibrium, Narya Capital, Lupa Systems, Breyer Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst. Endeavor selected AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2019.
Board members include food icon Martha Stewart, Narya Capital Co-Founder, and Partner JD Vance, Impossible Foods Chief Financial Officer David Lee, and impact investor Jeff Ubben.
About AppHarvest
AppHarvest is an applied technology company building some of the world’s largest indoor farms in Appalachia. The Company combines conventional agricultural techniques with cutting-edge technology and is addressing key issues including improving access for all to nutritious food, farming more sustainably, building a home-grown food supply, and increasing investment in Appalachia. The Company’s 60-acre Morehead, KY facility is among the largest indoor farms in the U.S.
For more information, visit https://www.appharvest.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding Novus Capital’s proposed acquisition of AppHarvest, Novus Capital’s ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction, and the combined company’s future financial performance, as well as the combined company’s growth plans and strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of AppHarvest’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AppHarvest. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Novus Capital’s registration statement on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on October 9, 2020 (the “Registration Statement”), under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Novus Capital has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect AppHarvest’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. AppHarvest anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while AppHarvest may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, AppHarvest specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing AppHarvest’s assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
Important Information for Investors and Stockholders
In connection with the proposed transaction, Novus Capital has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which includes a preliminary proxy statement to be distributed to holders of Novus Capital’s common stock in connection with Novus Capital’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Novus Capital’s stockholders with respect to the proposed transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of securities to be issued to AppHarvest’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement has been declared effective, Novus Capital will mail a definitive proxy statement, when available, to its stockholders. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about Novus Capital, AppHarvest and the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Novus Capital through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Novus Capital Corporation, 8556 Oakmont Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46260. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.
Participants in the Solicitation
Novus Capital and its directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Novus Capital’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Novus Capital’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Novus Capital’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, is set forth in the Registration Statement.
1 https://lgma.ca.gov/about-us#overview
MEDIA CONTACT: press@appharvest.com
IMAGE/VIDEO GALLERY: Available here
US: Kentucky Fresh Harvest And AppHarvest Advance Kentucky’s Horticultural Sector
Kentucky Fresh Harvest (KFH) has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Stanford, KY commercial greenhouse operation based at a 30-acre campus and on the latest in AgTech including a complete controlled environment
Two large commercial growers anchor an organized AgTech push by the state of Kentucky, and the greenhouses involved will consume many LED-based luminaires for supplemental lighting.
October 19th, 2020
Kentucky-based organizations look to expand the state’s AgTech and horticultural businesses, with Kentucky Fresh Harvest and AppHarvest leading the way toward more LED-based lighting penetration in controlled environment agriculture. (Image credit: Kentucky farm graphic created by Stevietheman from public domain image and CC-BY-SA 2.5 licensed image, via Wikimedia Commons; available for use under CC-BY-SA 2.5. Licensing information available at http://bit.ly/3dGv3fH.)
Kentucky Fresh Harvest (KFH) has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Stanford, KY commercial greenhouse operation based at a 30-acre campus and on the latest in AgTech including a complete controlled environment. The operation will grow tomatoes year round at a location that’s within a one-day truck ride to two thirds of the US population. Meanwhile, AppHarvest, which we have covered before, has announced plans to go public and raise additional capital for expansion and its 60-acre facility in Morehead, KY.
Both AppHarvest and KFH are part of the state of Kentucky’s AgriTech Advisory Council that Governor Andy Beshear formed back in July to boost the AgTech industry in the state. “AgriTech is the future of agriculture, and Kentucky is uniquely positioned to embrace and deliver on it,” said Beshear. “Being the global leader in the AgriTech industry not only will make Kentucky’s farms more productive and efficient, but also will benefit every citizen and every region of the commonwealth in creating industry and jobs.” The state further launched a dedicated website dedicated to AgTech called Kentucky AgriTech.
Kentucky Fresh Harvest
KFH has developed truly a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setting for its tomato-centric operation. The farm says it recycles all water and nutrients not absorbed by around 13,000 plants, and cleans and recycles that captured fluid for reuse. The farm labels it a closed-loop irrigation system.
The greenhouses feature a mix of LED-based solid-state lighting (SSL) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting. Such hybrid scenarios have become increasingly common because the HPS luminaires do double duty during cool weather, delivering both light and heat to the plants. KFH says that it further injects CO2 into the greenhouse on dark days to boost photosynthesis and increase natural sugar production. The farm is based on an AgTech control platform from InData.Farm.
Kentucky Fresh Harvest runs a true controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operation in Stanford, KY, growing tomatoes under ideal conditions year round with sophisticated water, lighting, and environmental management systems. (Photo credit: Image courtesy of Kentucky Fresh Harvest.)
“I’m extremely proud of our team at KFH,” said Curt Meltzer, CEO of KFH. “Not just for growing and harvesting this pilot crop during an extremely challenging time, but for the multitude of other steps they’ve taken this year to bring our vision for the Future of Farming to fruition. This is a win for Stanford, Lincoln County, and Kentucky’s agribusiness economy as a whole.”
“Kentucky Fresh Harvest is the type of company we envision can help strengthen our state’s economic potential, not just in the years ahead but for generations to come,” said Beshear. “The company bringing its operation on line during such a tumultuous time is a testament to their staff’s ability to adapt quickly and be prepared for any challenge. Kentucky Fresh Harvest has a bright future and I’m proud it will be here in the commonwealth.”
AppHarvest
Moving to AppHarvest, that grower is even larger than KFH. We first covered AppHarvest a little more than a year ago when the company and its partner Signify said that the Morehead operation would have the most LED lighting of any building in the world. Moreover, the farm was one of many horticultural operations to garner significant venture investments. That investment had totaled near $100 million when we first reported on AppHarvest. AppHarvest also spoke at our HortiCann Light + Tech Conference last year, and note that the virtual HortiCann 2021 begins Tuesday, Oct 20.
Now AppHarvest is turning to the public market to raise additional cash. The move to go public will be executed via a merger of the existing AppHarvest business with Novus Capital Corp (Nasdaq: NOVS). Following the close of that deal, the new company will still be named AppHarvest and will be traded on the NASDAQ exchange under a new ticker symbol. AppHarvest founder and CEO Jonathan Webb will lead the new company.
The move to go public is being supported by existing and new investors including Novus Capital, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and Inclusive Capital. AppHarvest expects the move to provide $475 million in gross proceeds. The cash will allow AppHarvest to expand and build more farms throughout the Appalachia regions.
“We are excited to transition AppHarvest to a public company and raise nearly a half a billion dollars in the process,” said Webb. “This will allow us to pursue our mission of transforming agriculture. A mission that’s become even more important since the global pandemic exposed how a rapidly increasing reliance on imports jeopardizes food security. We now know that, to build a more resilient food system that meets our growing population demands, we must immediately start building controlled environment agriculture facilities, as these farms use far fewer resources to grow far more produce. We believe that this partnership with Novus Capital is a transformative transaction which will allow us to both rapidly scale our agriculture facilities, in pursuit of our goal to redefine American agriculture, and build the country’s AgTech capital within Appalachia. Together we can transform agriculture.”
“AppHarvest is a unique and compelling investment opportunity that is redefining American agriculture by improving access for all to fresh non-GMO produce, growing more with fewer resources, and creating an AgTech hub from within Appalachia,” said Bob Laikin, chairman of Novus Capital. “With significant tailwinds from heightened investor focus on ESG [environmental, social, and corporate governance] initiatives and the secular shift to plant-based foods, we believe AppHarvest is well-positioned to execute on its strategy for rapid growth and value creation.”
TURKEY: Use of Artificial Intelligence In Greenhouse And Vertical Agriculture
Vertical farming is generally used when the yield of the soil is low or under unused conditions and it also contributes to the cultivation of crops. Consequently, many vertical fields and greenhouses are designed as closed spaces and are inclined to provide better light
October 25, 2020
Vertical farming is the production of products vertically stacked so that even if the land is used it can now be produced as a more effective method, smart agriculture.
Vertical farming is generally used when the yield of the soil is low or under unused conditions and it also contributes to the cultivation of crops. Consequently, many vertical fields and greenhouses are designed as closed spaces and are inclined to provide better light.
In vertical farming, artificial light is often used in combination with natural daylight, and pioneers who prefer this method, such as ForFarming have observed positive impacts on future food safety and human health, and the need for agricultural land will be reduced. One of the most important reasons for this is the protection of natural life and the prevention of environmental pollution.
Another important issue is the importance and use of artificial intelligence in vertical agriculture. IoT-based artificial intelligence system, developed by ForFarming, “Farmio” with a stylish and elegant design that you are currently producing greenhouses, parks, and gardens can be controlled and monitored simultaneously with Farmio plays a role.
Farmio can be controlled from anywhere with its advanced algorithm system, and it ensures that your current harvest can be measured automatically such as humidity, temperature, temperature, pH, or CO2. This feature provides great advantages to the users, and the fact that it can be followed in a coordinated manner has a great effect on the maximum utilization of production.
ForFarming, which wants to be the world’s landless agricultural technology provider, provides the world’s first and only artificial intelligence supported intelligent agriculture solution, and provides healthy and fresh products throughout the year.
With its elegant design, Farmi is ready to be used in many different areas than you can imagine and is suitable for use in many places from supermarkets to restaurants, offices, and hotels. In addition, Farmi enables its customers to grow more than 30 plants, and by using artificial intelligence in all processes from production to harvest (Farmio), it provides customers with great advantages in tracking processes and makes this work much more enjoyable.
AppHarvest Breaks Ground On Second High-Tech Greenhouse
The indoor facility will grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free fruits and vegetables to be distributed to U.S. grocers and restaurants. Because of the company’s strategic location in Appalachia, AppHarvest can reach nearly 70% of Americans in just a day’s drive, reducing transportation costs by up to 80% compared to existing growers in Mexico and the Southwestern U.S.
AppHarvest has started construction on a second high-tech controlled environment agriculture facility in Central Appalachia. Located in Madison County, KY, the farm, when complete, will exceed 60 acres.
The indoor facility will grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free fruits and vegetables to be distributed to U.S. grocers and restaurants. Because of the company’s strategic location in Appalachia, AppHarvest can reach nearly 70% of Americans in just a day’s drive, reducing transportation costs by up to 80% compared to existing growers in Mexico and the Southwestern U.S.
Located on nearly 250 acres, the facility will double AppHarvest's growing space in Central Appalachia. AppHarvest will open its flagship farm — a 2.76-million-square-foot facility growing tomatoes — this month in nearby Morehead, KY.
“This purchase brings us one step closer to our goal of establishing America's next AgTech hub from right here in Appalachia,” said AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb.
Central Appalachia
The company’s greenhouses are designed to reduce water usage in growing by 90% compared to traditional open-field agriculture due to unique irrigation systems connected with large-scale rainwater retention ponds. The system is designed to eliminate harmful agricultural runoff, which contributes to toxic algae blooms.
AppHarvest farms are located in water-rich Central Appalachia in contrast to much of America’s vegetable production that is concentrated in Arizona and California, states that continue to confront water scarcity and climate disruptions.
Strong relationships with leading AgTech universities and companies in the Netherlands position AppHarvest as a leading applied technology agriculture company. The Netherlands has developed a significant high-tech greenhouse industry, becoming the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite having a landmass roughly equal in size to Eastern Kentucky. Earlier this year, AppHarvest led a landmark 17-organization agreement uniting Dutch and Kentucky governments, universities, and private companies, with all committing to building America's AgTech capital from within Appalachia.
Breaking ground at Madison County
Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor: "It is an exciting day for Madison County. Over the past two years, the Madison County and AppHarvest teams have been focused on finding economic development opportunities that capitalize on our combination of hard-working people, central location, and agricultural history. Today is the result of that hard work and we couldn't be happier.”
Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaddin: “We are excited to welcome AppHarvest to our community. The work in AgTech they are doing in Eastern Kentucky has generated excitement among our community schools and citizens. I look forward to forging partnerships with AppHarvest that will provide new outlets for our students to gain hands-on experience with the latest techniques in farming.”
The Morehead site
Investments
In just over two years, AppHarvest has attracted more than $150 million in investment into Central Appalachia and announced on September 29 a definitive agreement for a business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation. The combination, which is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early in the first quarter of 2021, will provide $475 million of gross proceeds to the company, including $375 million fully committed common stock PIPE at $10.00 per share anchored by existing and new investors – including Fidelity Management & Research Company, LLC, Inclusive Capital, and Novus Capital Corporation.
Another photo of the company's Morehead location
AppHarvest’s investors include Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Inclusive Capital Partners, Equilibrium, Narya Capital, Lupa Systems, Breyer Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst. Endeavor selected AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2019.
Board members include food icon Martha Stewart, Narya Capital Co-Founder, and Partner JD Vance, Impossible Foods Chief Financial Officer David Lee, and impact investor Jeff Ubben.
For more information:
AppHarvest
www.appharvest.com
21 Oct 2020
Mucci Farms Announces 200-Acre North American Expansion!
“Demand for greenhouse grown produce is growing rapidly as consumers continue to put pressure on the food industry to prioritize food safety, sustainability, responsible growing practices and clean growing environments,” said Bert Mucci, Chief Executive Officer
Bert Mucci
October 29th, 2020 (Kingsville, Ontario) – Mucci Farms announces major expansions in Kingsville, Ontario and Huron, Ohio totalling 206-acres over the next two years. These investments support their ongoing emphasis on maximizing local and regionally grown fruits and vegetables year-round through expansion and lit culture grow light technology. “Demand for greenhouse grown produce is growing rapidly as consumers continue to put pressure on the food industry to prioritize food safety, sustainability, responsible growing practices and clean growing environments,” said Bert Mucci, Chief Executive Officer.
Joe Spano
The first year of expansions include bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and their innovative award-winning strawberries that are grown in the largest controlled climate strawberry farm in North America. “Our berry program has been a big success and we believe it’s because of the quality and flavour we are able to provide through a clean growing environment, sustainable growing practices and our proximity to market,” explained Joe Spano, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Since we aren’t importing from California or Florida, we can maximize sugars by allowing product to be fully ripe before we harvest.”
The second year will focus exclusively on Bell Peppers with a 100-acre expansion to accommodate a growing need for supply in the category, which is being done through expansion as well as technology. “We have seen a strong rise in demand for locally grown peppers in recent years and expanding our own supply reduces our reliance on partner growers and imports,” said Bert. “We are currently trialing lit culture grow lights for our Pepper program which will be a game changer that allows us to grow local peppers 365 days a year.”
The first year of expansions include bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and their innovative award-winning strawberries that are grown in the largest controlled climate strawberry farm in North America. “Our berry program has been a big success and we believe it’s because of the quality and flavour we are able to provide through a clean growing environment, sustainable growing practices and our proximity to market,” explained Joe Spano, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Since we aren’t importing from California or Florida, we can maximize sugars by allowing product to be fully ripe before we harvest.”
The second year will focus exclusively on Bell Peppers with a 100-acre expansion to accommodate a growing need for supply in the category, which is being done through expansion as well as technology. “We have seen a strong rise in demand for locally grown peppers in recent years and expanding our own supply reduces our reliance on partner growers and imports,” said Bert. “We are currently trialing lit culture grow lights for our Pepper program which will be a game changer that allows us to grow local peppers 365 days a year.”
Expansion Breakdown by Acreage and Commodity
· 25-acres of Tomatoes on-the-vine in Huron, Ohio, the third and final phase of the 75-acre project
· 30-acres of multiple varieties of Bell Peppers in Kingsville
· 36-acres of SmucciesTM Sweet strawberries in Kingsville, doubling the current acreage to a total of 72-acres
· 15-acres of mini-cocktail cucumbers, branded as the award-winning CuteCumber Poppers
· 100-acres of multiple varieties of Bell Peppers at a new site in Kingsville with construction beginning in 2022
Danny Mucci
Additional projects include a dedicated research and development facility to be ready in 2021. “We have over 300 varieties of various commodities being trialed at any given time,” stated Danny Mucci, President of Sales and Marketing. “Consolidating them all into one specific building allows us to be much more thorough and expand our capabilities. Our trial program includes non-traditional greenhouse grown items such as zucchinis, blackberries and melons and we have a healthy appetite for new innovative varieties.”
This past June, the organization announced the addition of two new warehouse facilities in Romulus, Michigan and San Antonio, Texas that will serve as warehouses, distributions centers and cross docks to increase efficiencies and expand the regions they can service. Both facilities will be ready in 2021.
A major focus for the company is expanding their winter program through lit culture grow light technology. With aggressive annual expansions, the company has the largest acreage of supplemental lighting in the greenhouse industry and continues to expand its acreage year-over-year to maximize local and regional production year round.
Growing fresh produce for over 60 years, Mucci Farms is vertically integrated from seed to retail with a global partner network combining for more than 1700-acres of fruit and vegetable greenhouses. Headquartered in Kingsville, Ontario, the award-winning company is dedicated to continual investments in automation and technology along with a high level of research and development to offer consumers the most flavourful varieties in the world.