Welcome to iGrow News, Your Source for the World of Indoor Vertical Farming
Leamington Greenhouse Growers Struggle With Venting With Light Pollution Limits
Venting limits are imposed by local municipalities to address light pollution concerns
A recent Horti Daily article discussed the problems with limited venting experienced by many greenhouses in the Leamington, Ontario area. Venting limits are imposed by local municipalities to address light pollution concerns. Venting is a strategy used by greenhouses to remove warm air from the greenhouse as temperatures rise, especially in the warmer months. Venting limits make it difficult for greenhouses to remove warm air and maintain optimal temperatures in greenhouses. An unintended consequence with artificial lights is that opening greenhouse side walls and roofs allows light escaping, causing light pollution to the neighboring area outside.
Greenhouse growers are constantly juggling and adjusting growth parameters like light, temperature, and CO2 to create an optimal growth environment for their plants. Choosing to vent or not is always a double-edged sword. On the one hand, venting is an inexpensive way to manage air exchange in order to keep temperatures cooler in the warm months from spring through fall. On the other hand, venting with artificial lights on results in light pollution. Venting also makes it impractical to supplement the greenhouse grow area with CO2 by atmospheric enrichment (also known as CO2 gassing) since the CO2 gas quickly escapes outside.
The problem with venting is not usually an issue for Leamington greenhouses in the colder months when the vents are closed, thereby enabling CO2 gassing as the facility is sealed and reduces artificial light pollution. CO2 gas levels in the grow rooms can be maintained at 1200 parts per million (ppm) to optimize growth. However, in the warmer months when venting occurs, it is very difficult to maintain 400 ppm (the level of natural CO2 in the air) even if CO2 gas is pumped into the grow area since nearly all of it escapes outside during venting.
CO2 Delivery Solutions™ can help Leamington greenhouse growers solve the CO2 supplementing problem when venting.
CO2 Delivery Solutions™ enables Leamington greenhouses to provide their plants with added CO2 which enhances growth and yields. This capability is achieved by misting an aqueous CO2 solution directly on to the plants, with or without venting. This technology allows CO2 to be controlled independently, rather than its delivery being co-dependent on the control of other growth parameters like light and temperature. This enhances a grower’s ability to optimize environments in a simpler and more effective manner. While CO2 Delivery Solutions™ cannot solve the artificial light pollution problem when Leamington greenhouses need to vent, it can certainly solve the lack of optimal CO2 problem during those months and help tip the balance towards more optimal yields year-round.
Visit co2delivery.ca for more information.
Nature Fresh Farms Advances In Sustainable Transportation Through The SmartWay Program
Nature Fresh Farms pledges to reduce freight transportation-related emissions by becoming a member of SmartWay
Leamington, ON (January 15, 2020) – Nature Fresh Farms pledges to reduce freight transportation-related emissions by becoming a member of SmartWay.
Over the past year, Nature Fresh Farms joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership to further its sustainable development and continue to lead in its environmental initiatives. SmartWay is administered in Canada by NRCan and is free to those interested in becoming members, aiming to help both shippers and carriers move goods efficiently, by maximizing load capacity and keeping fuel costs and environmental impact at a minimum.
SmartWay is an internationally recognized program that encourages its members to be more aware of their carbon footprint by helping them track fuel consumption and improve their overall performance. Through their membership, Nature Fresh Farms can use the program to measure the environmental impact of their freight supply and use recommendations from SmartWay to improve and modify their transportation and operation strategies. With Nature Fresh Farms’ commitment to reducing emissions, their goal is to have at least 80% of their carrier base SmartWay certified by 2023.
“It has always been important for Nature Fresh Farms to recognize and understand our carbon footprint in every area of our operations,” shared Leigh Ann Breault, Director of Logistics. “Making the necessary improvements to our freight supply chain, using the recommendations provided from SmartWay, will only help reinforce our position as an industry leader in sustainability.”
With environmental performance becoming increasingly important as a business metric, more companies are becoming aware of the benefits of being a part of programs such as this. Having over 3,600 North American companies signed on to the SmartWay partnership, Nature Fresh Farms membership demonstrates their continued environmental leadership and corporate responsibility.
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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, and with their Distribution Centers established in Leamington, Delta, and Laredo, TX, 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
Bowery Farming Brings Indoor Vertical Farm To Bethlehem, PA - On Every Main Street
New York-based Bowery Farming is set to build its fourth and largest facility on the nearly 9-acre Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII site in south Bethlehem
By GREG CAPOGNA • JAN 5, 2021
Lead Photo: Bowery Farming transforms industrial spaces into smart farms where crops are stacked vertically to maximize space. The design and year-round operation can yield 100 times more produce in the same space as traditional outdoor farms. BOWERY FARMING
Host Greg Capogna, in a Lehigh Valley exclusive, sits down with Irving Fain, CEO, and Founder of Bowery Farming, and Dennis Davin, Secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development, to discuss Bowery coming to Bethlehem, vertical farming, sustainable agriculture, the environment and jobs for the Lehigh Valley.
Listen
OEMS 1/4/21 Bowery Farming
New York-based Bowery Farming is set to build its fourth and largest facility on the nearly 9-acre Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII site in south Bethlehem. The move is expected to create 70 new full-time jobs within the next three years. Bowery is the largest vertical farming company in the U.S..
Tune in to On Every Main Street Mondays from 6:30 to 7:00 PM following Lehigh Valley Arts Salon.
(Original air-date: 1/4/2020)
Nature Fresh Farms Hires New General Manager For Their Mexico Greenhouse
Nature Fresh Farms has expanded operations into Mexico to be close to growing partners and augment their existing North American supply chain. Central Mexico’s favorable climate reinforces their ability to provide fresh produce 365 days of the year
Leamington, ON (January 11, 2021) – Nature Fresh Farms welcomes Robert Van Der Geest as General Manager to their Mexico team.
Nature Fresh Farms has financially invested in the operation of a 15-acre greenhouse with an additional 15 acres under construction, located in Central Mexico. Robert Van Der Geest has been brought on to lead their greenhouse operations and take on the role as General Manager of Nature Fresh Farms Mexico.
Nature Fresh Farms has expanded operations into Mexico to be close to growing partners and augment their existing North American supply chain. Central Mexico’s favorable climate reinforces their ability to provide fresh produce 365 days of the year. By having full control over the operations in Mexico, Nature Fresh Farms can ensure the level of quality and flavor their customers expect.
Originally from Holland, Robert first began his agricultural career in the cut flower industry. For five years Robert ran a cut flower project in Mexico and following his return to Holland he shifted to produce greenhouse growing, then in 2016, he moved back to Mexico to continue the management of greenhouses in the region. Robert is excited to join the Nature Fresh Farms Mexico team and will be playing a key role in meeting the company’s growth goals as well as building on their commitment to providing fresh and consistent produce to their customers throughout the year.
“One of the first things I’ve noticed about this company is the real team environment, which is a fantastic achievement for a company this large,” shared Robert. “I’m looking forward to working with a team that is so innovative and constantly pursuing growth.”
Robert will be responsible for the initial set up of the facility and will take care of personnel and operational management to ensure the facility runs smoothly while helping to integrate the greenhouse with the rest of Nature Fresh Farms operations. He is thrilled about the new opportunities arising in Mexico and looks forward to acquiring more knowledge and applying it to growing.
“We welcome the addition of Robert to the Nature Fresh Farms teams,” announced Vice President, John Ketler. “With our new facilities in Mexico, we needed someone with an extensive understanding of the industry and familiarity of the region and Robert is a great fit.”
Nature Fresh Farms is thrilled with the growth and direction of the company along with the steady expansion of their team. As the business continues to grow, the company is excited to offer new opportunities for professional development.
About Nature Fresh Farms -
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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
Standardization To Build A Vertical Farming Industry or Building Customized Farms That Keep Cost High?
“Are we thinking about standardization so we can build a vertical farming industry or are we going to build a bunch of customized farms that keep costs unnecessarily high?
There are a lot of new ideas being trialed within the indoor farming space. “One of the hurdles I see is that it’s expected that there are standardized products available that will fit the new vertical farming systems being developed. Many farmers request that manufacturers develop custom components and equipment to meet the specifications of their system and their requirements, assuming that their systems will be the ones adopted by the industry and standardized,” says Chris Higgins, CEO of Hort Americas.”
According to Chris vertical farmers mostly don’t always take into account the required size and scale needed for custom made products. As an example, many of the new farming systems don’t fit the current substrate industry models. And that in itself is ok. Unfortunately, many of these farms aren’t large enough to afford the customizations needed to keep their produce profitable. That then creates additional work for these new farming businesses. Instead of being able to focus on growing, they’re trying to figure out the best way to manage a non-existent supply channel. “Growers keep designing new irrigation models and growing systems without thought of how they are going to source a substrate, consistently and cost-effectively.”
Chris Higgins
Chris says that there is a lot to learn from the Dutch greenhouse industry. Over the years they have built a great model that supports the commercial greenhouse industry really well. Namely, building a commercial vegetable greenhouse around a single crop, with the scale required to manage cost, labor, and the supply channel. “They are focused on reducing labor by using automation and getting as much efficiency out of the system and supply channel as possible. Dutch and other northern European farms grow several vegetable crops in greenhouses that are quite similar to each other. Here in the USA, the vertical farming industry is new. We are still finding ourselves. Defining our plan, and building learning to build out an industry that will support potential growth.”
“Are we thinking about standardization so we can build a vertical farming industry or are we going to build a bunch of customized farms that keep costs unnecessarily high? Factories are all about processes and standardization. Plant factories should be no different.” Chris wonders whether it’s really a problem to treat an indoor farm as a factory when building it. He states that substrates requirements are a simple yet good example of how there has not been much thought to standardization. But, how planning and simple changes could help farmers be more successful sooner.
A second hurdle Chris sees is a desire to become organic. “Building a new farm is challenging enough! Building a successful indoor hydroponic organic farm with new growers is even more challenging.” Indoor and vertical farmers are rightfully focused on food safety issues. Much of a successful food safety program is based on the ability to have tracking, tracing, consistencies and guarantees. This requires growers to need input products that can fit that model. Unfortunately truly organic products do not always fit that mold. Organics inputs can be hard to standardize as they are often not manufactured in a traditional way causing them to be influenced by outside variables in which only mother nature controls.
This can be seen within the peat moss substrate industry. “The vertical farming industry needs organic substrates to be delivered in a customized fashion, timely and in the highest of qualities. However, the peat moss industry has not necessarily evolved over time with this focus in mind. The industry has evolved to provide a very cost-competitive product to ‘large’ greenhouse growers. A smaller footprint farm that needs the highest of quality in a custom package may simply not have the volume needed to interest a supplier. However, many small farms using a similar product can work together to create the volume that will encourage the suppliers to change their strategies and put the energy and effort needed into new product development.”
So how can an industry be formed in such a competitive time where entrepreneurs are fighting for investor dollars? “Simple, focus on the business practices that truly make your new farming business unique. Then leverage the supporting horticulture industries and use what's available to you in a standardized package. This will allow you to grow quickly and focus on what makes you successful.”
For more information:
Hort Americas
Chris Higgins, CEO
chiggins@hortamericas.com
www.hortamericas.com
Publication date: Fri 8 Jan 2021
Author: Rebekka Boekhout
© VerticalFarmDaily.com
VIDEO: Havecon Introduces Havelettuce Projects: Standardized Turn-Key Lettuce Greenhouses Make Entering Greenhouse Industry Easier
Havelettuce will not only take on the build of a greenhouse but the complete project realization, offering a plug and play concept for starting a lettuce greenhouse enterprise. With this new initiative, the door into the horticultural industry will open more easily, CEO Henk Verbakel explains
Havecon has been known as a turnkey greenhouse supplier for many years now, but as of now they'll take turnkey to a new level under the name of “Havelettuce Projects”. Havelettuce will not only take on the build of a greenhouse but the complete project realization, offering a plug and play concept for starting a lettuce greenhouse enterprise. With this new initiative, the door into the horticultural industry will open more easily, CEO Henk Verbakel explains.
Reduce food miles
"Growing hydroponic vegetables closer to consumers will reduce food miles and help reverse the trend of foreign produce imports. Together with our partners and suppliers we bring over 100 years of combined experience in developing large-scale hydroponic greenhouses for several kinds of fruit, vegetables and medicinal cannabis. With Havelettuce Projects, we're using this knowledge to offer 1-2 and 2-4 hectare standardized, turn-key hydroponic lettuce greenhouses," says Henk.
With this new concept, they're answering to the growing demand for local food production and helping investors and other newcomers to the industry find an easy entrance. "We'll manage the entire project from start to finish. This means you only deal with one company," says Jon Adams, Vice President North America. "Furthermore, we provide project anonymity to our customers to provide a competitive edge by being the face of the project until it goes live."
Investors
The horticultural industry has become of interest for many investors and according to the Havelettuce team, it's not difficult to see why. "It is a proven method of growing plants in a soilless environment by relying on a nutrient-rich water solution," Jon explains. "Hydroponics can rapidly help serve unmet demands for fresh vegetables by being grown close to their markets. And it's a sound investment: with investment sizes of 20-50 million dollars for a 1- 4 ha projects we can show a 10-year average EBIDTA of 30 – 45%."
Hydroponic advantages
He adds how growing produce in a hydroponic greenhouse has many advantages. "Greenhouse temperatures and inputs can be precisely controlled, allowing plants to grow faster and face fewer diseases than their outside soil counterparts. Furthermore, a closed-loop irrigation system results in major water savings and uses less fertilizers. This prevents pollutants from entering soil and groundwater as seen with open-field production."
And it's not just the existing industry players anymore that see these opportunities. Many new people are entering the industry. To make it easy for them to do so and to avoid reinventing the wheel, Havelettuce has been created. "Our team has built over 400 greenhouse facilities throughout the world from project as small as 0.1 to over 100 hectares. And now we combine our expertise in hydroponic farming with that of our partners. With the standards we created, Havelettuce Projects makes lettuce cultivation in greenhouses possible for everyone in any climate," he shows.
This means that location, climate, utility load studies, feasibility studies, and all other things you can think of like the community outreach and education, the permitting and incentive procurement will be taken on by our team and by doing so relieve the investors, just as of course the engineering and constructing, project management, crop and harvest advice, and grower consulting and training. "We will provide all of the necessary tools needed to succeed in this industry."
For more information:
Havelettuce
info@havelettuce.com
www.havelettuce.com
Linkedin
Twitter
Publication date: Mon 4 Jan 2021
Author: Arlette Sijmonsma
© FreshPlaza.com
PODCAST: Harry Duran - 2020 Year End Review
A 2020 wrap up by podcast
Be Sure To Check Out
Harry Duran's
Year-End Review Here!
VERTICAL FARMING PODCAST
Listen & Subscribe
Nature Fresh Farms Spreads Holiday Cheer With Their 2020 Holiday Giveaway
This has been the fourth consecutive year Nature Fresh Farms has carried out their company Holiday Giveaway
Leamington, ON (December 24, 2020) – Nature Fresh Farms continues to give back to their community this holiday season through their various fundraisers and donations.
On December 23rd, as part of their Holiday Giveaway initiative, Nature Fresh Farms distributed gift baskets to a total of 44 families in need: 34 in Windsor/Essex and 10 families in Fulton County Ohio, providing each of them with $200 in groceries and a $500 gift card. This has been the fourth consecutive year Nature Fresh Farms has carried out their company Holiday Giveaway.
In addition to the Giveaway, the cross-company food drive took place over a two- week period where South Essex Fabricating, Sunens, and Nature Fresh Farms employee donations led to a total of 2,279 dry goods collected. The three companies brought the non-perishable food items to the local Salvation Army in Leamington with Nature Fresh Farms Ohio donating to The Open Door in Delta, Ohio, and the Nature Fresh Farms Laredo team donating to the South Texas Food Bank. Both initiatives were extremely successful providing families with some much-needed cheer this season.
“There have been difficult times had by all this year so we weren’t sure how much our teams would be able to raise for our holiday programs,” shared Vice President of Nature Fresh Farms, John Ketler. “Once again, the incredible generosity and kindness of the members at Nature Fresh Farms, Sunens, and South Essex Fabricating continues to surprise us. They have so much love for their community and it is truly inspiring to see how everyone is so eager to give back to people in need in such a meaningful way.”
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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.
Pure Flavor® Launches Live Deliciously® Magazine For Holiday Season
“The new Live Deliciously® Magazine is just one part of our strategy to create great content that we can share across all our channels to encourage people to eat more fresh fruit & vegetables”, said Veillon
Leamington, ON (December 16th, 2020) – To inspire families to get back in the kitchen this holiday season, Pure Flavor® recently launched their first edition of the Live Deliciously® Magazine, a 20-page digital magazine that features flavors for every style and appetite.
“Without any in-person sampling opportunities like trade shows or community events over the last 9 months, we encouraged our various brand partners to create even more content that could be shared digitally in key regions where we have strong retail relationships”, said Chris Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer.
The first edition of the digital magazine, called the “Holiday Flavors Guide”, features 18 mouth-watering dishes from various social influencers from around North America. From D-I-Y Charcuturie Boards to Vegan inspired dishes to a variety of snacks, apps, and tasty main courses, all featured recipes include a wide variety of Pure Flavor®’s greenhouse grown vegetables that are available year-round.
Pure Flavor® has seen significant spikes in website traffic as well as double digit growth this year across its social channels. The brands digital content strategy is to create an I-C-E based approach to consumer engagement:
I = Inform
Raising awareness for the brand of products
C = Connect
Explain how product fits the lifestyle; serve up content that creates a connection; emotional purchases, types of use
E = Educate
Product characteristics: FAB’s (features & benefits), how to use in the kitchen; pairings, ‘Goes Well With…’
“The new Live Deliciously® Magazine is just one part of our strategy to create great content that we can share across all our channels to encourage people to eat more fresh fruit & vegetables”, said Veillon.
To view the first edition of the Live Deliciously® Magazine, please visit https://www.pure-flavor.com/holiday-flavors-guide
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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.
We are the next generation of vegetable growers, inspired to put quality, flavor, and customers first by providing greenhouse-grown vegetables from our farms that are strategically located throughout North America.
SOURCE: Chris Veillon | chris@pure-flavor.com
Chief Marketing Officer | Pure Flavor®
T: 519 326 8444
GE Current Expands Horticulture Distribution Network To Support Indoor Growers Across Eurasia
Current’s Lucalox and Arize lighting solutions are available now. Customers can contact their local distribution partner for more information and advice on the best Current solution for their individual greenhouse set-up
GE Current, a Daintree company, has signed three new distribution partnership agreements with Agro Top Garden, Helle-Tech Oy, and Vitro HTS to make its full Lucalox HPS and Arize LED portfolio available to more greenhouse growers across Europe and Asia. The deals inked will provide growers focusing on horticulture, floriculture, and the burgeoning medicinal cannabis market, with easier access to leading lighting technologies, whether they rely on traditional HPS or are looking to transition over to low-energy LEDs to meet net-zero carbon goals.
Malcolm Yare, Business Development Manager for Horticulture at Current, commented, “There are all sorts of variables that combine to create the most productive greenhouse environment, from location and surrounding geography, to weather patterns and the type of crop grown. We want to ensure that greenhouse growers have access to the perfect lighting for their unique set-up. By expanding our network of distribution partners, we can ensure that growers receive expert, localised advice and support to ensure that they get the right Current system to maximise their yields and grow their businesses.”
Agro Top Garden is now the exclusive European distributor of Current’s Lucalox HPS lighting to the medicinal plant market, as well as being a master distributor of the company’s Arize LED portfolio. With a depth of broad horticultural experience, Agro Top Garden advises customers on the best growing media and fertilisers for their flowering plants. Now, with Current’s broad portfolio at its disposal, the company will also be able to advise cannabis growers on the most appropriate, low-energy lighting technology to nurture high-quality, abundant harvests every time.
Based in Finland, Helle-Tech Oy provides a range of greenhouse products, up to complete turn-key installations. With more than 30 years’ team experienced in building greenhouses all over Europe and Russia, Helle-Tech Oy partners with its customers throughout every stage of planning and installation, followed by close support and counsel, in order to maximize the potential of each greenhouse. With more growers looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint, Helle-Tech Oy is expecting to guide many more customers through the transition from HPS to LED lighting in 2021, working with Current’s lighting experts to maintain yields and income throughout the process.
Vitro HTS is based at the heart of Eurasia, in Antalya, Turkey, and is focused on supporting growers across Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. With new investments in horticulture and floriculture across the region, Vitro HTS is ideally positioned to support new market entrants and existing growers with Current’s state-of-the-art lighting systems that reduce energy consumption and costs, whilst boosting revenue.
Current’s Lucalox and Arize lighting solutions are available now. Customers can contact their local distribution partner for more information and advice on the best Current solution for their individual greenhouse set-up.
For more information:
www.gecurrent.com
agrotopgarden.de
www.helle-tech.fi
www.vitrohts.com
1 Dec 2020
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.
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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?
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.
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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
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/
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
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.
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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
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.
CEA Startup AppHarvest To Go Public, Expects $475m Funding At $1bn Valuation
“We are about to plant our first crop in a 60-acre, controlled environment, chemical-free farm. No one else in America is doing something at that scale. Investors look at that,” Peter Spac, AppHarvest’s newly appointed chief financial officer, told AFN.
October 1, 2020
US controlled environment agriculture (CEA) startup AppHarvest has announced a merger with NASDAQ-listed special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Novus Capital, enabling it to go public.
The deal is slated to bring in $475 million in gross proceeds for Kentucky-based AppHarvest, including a private investment in public equity (PIPE) transaction worth $375 million from existing and new investors including Fidelity Management & Research Company, Inclusive Capital, and Novus. This commitment, at $10 per share, values the company at $1 billion.
“I can’t say this was the exact plan but what accelerated all of this was Covid-19,” AppHarvest CEO Jonathan Webb told AFN. “Typically, you would do 40 to 60 meetings to get a couple of investors. We had 22 meetings and had almost 20 ‘yeses.’ Very few passed on this deal and we eventually had to cancel meetings.”
Webb describes the SPAC transaction and PIPE financing experience as “absolutely phenomenal.”
A SPAC is formed with the sole purpose of raising capital through an IPO in order to acquire an existing privately-held company and take it public. Also referred to as ‘blank check companies,’ the mechanism has existed for several years but has received increased attention of late. This year alone, more than 50 SPACs have been formed in the US, collectively raising around $36.2 billion as of last month.
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PIPE deals effectively allow institutional investors to buy larger quantities of public company stock, typically at a discount to public market prices.
“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,” Novus chairman Bob Laikin said in a statement.
“With significant tailwinds from heightened investor focus on ESG 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,” he continued.
AppHarvest — which raised $28 million in its Series C round in August — is launching what it describes as the world’s largest greenhouse later this year, consisting of a 2.76 million square foot facility in Morehead, Kentucky. The system it uses reportedly reduces water usage by 90% compared to traditional open-field agriculture, while also eliminating runoff.
Its first crop will be non-GMO tomatoes, which will be provided to a number of US grocers.
Other AppHarvest investors include TV cook Martha Stewart, VC veteran Peter Thiel, ValueAct Capital’s Spring Fund, Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Equilibrium Capital, and Narya – the new VC firm co-founded by JD Vance, author of best-selling Appalachian memoir Hillbilly Elegy.
“We are about to plant our first crop in a 60-acre, controlled environment, chemical-free farm. No one else in America is doing something at that scale. Investors look at that,” Peter Spac, AppHarvest’s newly appointed chief financial officer, told AFN.
“We have a phenomenal growing team. We have a phenomenal team of sustainability experts. They’re looking at a company and even though its pre-revenue it has all the necessary ingredients to succeed.”
AppHarvest knows it’s far from being the only player in the CEA game. But it’s confident in its approach.
“We aren’t burning through cash with pointless R&D when we can buy incredible technologies over in the Netherlands,” Webb says.
“The other thing is scale. Part of it is that building big stuff fast in the US is very hard. You have to get permitting, communities’ [buy-in], state and federal support, infrastructure, inspections. What we’ve proven through a global pandemic is that we can build one of the largest facilities in the world on time, on budget, at a record pace.”
Moving forward, AppHarvest is focused on bringing its beefsteak and on-the-vine tomatoes to market. The first harvest at its Morehead facility is slated for early 2021. It hopes to expand into leafy greens, berries, cucumbers, and bell peppers in the future.
Ocado Boosts Stake In Vertical Farming Specialist Jones Food Co
The online grocery giant bought a 58% stake in Jones Food Co in November 2019 and is understood to have exercised an option in that deal to grow its ownership to approximately 70% of the company
By Alec Mattinson, George Nott
28 August 2020
Ocado Has Upped Its Stake In Vertical Farming Specialist
Jones Food Company To Help
Support The Building of More Farms Next Year
The online grocery giant bought a 58% stake in Jones Food Co in November 2019 and is understood to have exercised an option in that deal to grow its ownership to approximately 70% of the company.
Ocado’s investment will help the indoor produce grower build three more farms in the UK before the end of 2021.
CEO and founder, James Lloyd-Jones told The Grocer: “Their investment is helping us very keenly understand all aspects of the systems we’re building, so we can make sure we’ve got price parity with field and greenhouse-grown, year-round.”
Scunthorpe-based Jones Food Co is Europe’s largest vertical farm operation, with its 5,000 sq m facility stacking up 12 metres high over 17 layers of produce.
Ocado invested in the company as part of a wider £17m bet on vertical farming that also saw it form a joint venture Netherlands-based Priva and US-based 80 Acres called Infinite Acres.
Ocado does not currently list products from its vertical farm operations on its site but hopes to build vertical farms next to or within its CFCs and Ocado Zoom micro fulfillment centres and has mooted plans to open as many as 10 within five years.
The farm’s first crop was harvested in November 2018 and was sold to food-to-go specialist Greencore.
“We want to provide any sort of crop, grown at a value anyone can buy,” Lloyd-Jones said. “I want vertical farming to become boring and not exciting and techy because the minute it’s boring we’ve cracked it.”
Topics: Finance Mergers & acquisitions Ocado Technology
