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[Webinar] Financing Indoor Ag Seed to Scale
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The Vertical Farms of ZERO Democratize Access to Sustainable Agro-Food
“Vertical farms are a frontier of agriculture in terms of production quality and reduced environmental impact: all our work is concentrated on making them sustainable also on an industrial level”
The Pordenone-based company lands on the Italian market with salads, aromatic herbs and microgreens, whose cultivation is totally entrusted to an intelligent virtual agronomist who ensures maximum performance in industrial spaces or abandoned buildings regenerated in farms powered by clean energy. "Ours is an advanced and proximity agriculture: we cultivate close to the places of consumption, reducing the impact of the logistics of products that often travel thousands of kilometers" explains the CEO, Daniele Modesto
With the launch of the distribution of single variety salads, salad mixes, aromatic herbs, and microgreens in the Eurospesa supermarkets of the Dado SpA Group in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Pordenone company specializing in Vertical Farming marks its entry into the Italian market. In the meantime, ZERO works on the development of the cultivation of strawberries, wild strawberries and cherry tomatoes and on the strengthening of its activities in the North East and West with the aim of gradually expanding the installed capacity and passing from 30 tons of product per year to 1,500 tons in 12 months
“Vertical farms are a frontier of agriculture in terms of production quality and reduced environmental impact: all our work is concentrated on making them sustainable also on an industrial level. This launch is the demonstration that ZERO Farming, the innovative approach to agricultural production that we have reached after three years of study and experimentation, is the solution to democratize access to quality products for an increasingly wider range of consumers " explains the CEO of ZERO, Daniele Modesto .
Smart production approaches the consumer by reducing logistics costs
The ZERO Farms project involves the application of proprietary vertical farming technologies to set up production plants (the first are under construction in Italy, Switzerland, the Middle East and the Caribbean) for vegetables and small fruits then distributed in supermarkets, restaurants and through direct channels. . The Farms are entrusted to ROOT , an intelligent virtual agronomist who knows and finely manages all the variables that affect the cultivation cycle in a controlled environment, on multiple levels and without the use of earth or other substrates, ensures maximum plant performance. with the result of products that keep freshness and beneficial properties for a long time.
Tags: AGRICULTURE 4.0 AGRI-FOOD DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ESG FOOD INNOVATION
GREEN DEAL GREEN ECONOMY INNOVATION INTERNET OF FARMIN INTERNET OF THINGS LOGISTICS
SMART AGRIFOOD TRACEABILITY VERTICAL FARM FoodTech , Made in Italy , Sustainability HOME SUSTAINABILITY
VIDEO: What Is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a form of farming that uses a nutrient solution root medium, rather than soil, to grow plants
How Hydroponics Works, Types, And Pros and Cons
May 28, 2021
Hydroponics is a form of farming that uses a nutrient solution root medium, rather than soil, to grow plants. Also referred to as tank farming, hydroponic plant roots may simply hang in water containing a mixture of dissolved nutrients or be supported by an inert substrate growing medium.
Often, the irrigation and fertilizing is performed mechanically in smaller spaces, and even vertically (known as vertical gardens), making it a more budget-friendly and labor-saving farming method. Vegetables like cucumbers and leafy greens like spinach are some of the most popular plants that are grown hydroponically, but gardeners can easily grow herbs or fruiting plants like strawberries, as well.
How Does Hydroponics Work?
Jtasphoto / Getty Images
Hydroponics involves any plants that are grown without the use of soil, the plants simply get their essential nutrients from a different source. Depending on the type of hydroponic system used, the plant’s roots may grow directly into a liquid solution or into a medium such as clay pebbles, peat moss, or sand (in an aggregate system). This way, the grower has control over environmental conditions like temperature and pH balance as well as the plant’s exposure to nutrients.
Hydroponics can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Some operations can range 25,000 square feet and produce 10,000 heads of lettuce per day, yet something as uncomplicated as sticking the base of a leafy vegetable into a glass of water to regrow is also a form of hydroponics. While soil is often the easiest method of growth among traditional gardens, plants don’t technically need it; the photosynthesis process, where they use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose for energy, only really requires water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients. Nutrients for hydroponic gardening consist of both macronutrients and micronutrients, including carbon, phosphorus, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, nickel, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, boron, and chlorine.
Types of Hydroponics
There are several techniques when it comes to hydroponics, all with different levels of difficulty, maintenance requirements, and budget. Beginners are suggested to start with either the basic wick system or the deep water culture system before graduating to more expert-level systems like the nutrient film technique, the ebb and flow system, drip systems, and the aeroponic system. Non-soil growing mediums can include sand, rock wool, peat moss, perlite (a form of obsidian), and coconut coir (the fibrous, middle portion of the coconut between the shell and the outer coat). Because of the versatility of hydroponics, growers can also get creative with medium materials that might otherwise go to waste, such as sheep wool and rice husks.
Wick System
This system has no electrical component and doesn’t require any advanced machinery, which is why it is considered the most basic of the hydroponic systems. The plants are suspended in a growing medium above a tank filled with water and nutrient solution, which are transported to the plants’ roots by way of a wick (like a piece of rope or felt) connecting the solution with the growing medium.
While the wick system is cheap and easy, it’s not suitable for plants and vegetables that require a lot of water, plus it can be inefficient in delivering nutrients. Hydroponic aficionados refer to this system as the "training wheels" of hydroponics.
Deep Water Culture
Imgorthand / Getty Images
Another easy system for new growers, the deep water culture system consists of plants that are suspended over a reservoir filled with water and nutrient solution. The roots are submerged into the liquid, so there is a constant supply of both water and nutrients, but need an air pump to continuously pump bubbles into the reservoir and provide the roots with oxygen. It's an inexpensive, recirculating process that creates less waste, but it doesn’t always work for plants that are larger or require longer growing periods.
Aeroponics
An aeroponic system is perhaps the most complex and expensive hydroponic method, but can also be the most effective. The plant’s roots are actually suspended in air and misted with a water/nutrient solution using an oxygenating air pump, either a small continuous mist or an interval cycle. That way, the roots are provided with continuous nutrients and exposed to constant oxygen without the risk of oversaturation. Aeroponic systems are relatively simple to monitor, but even a slight malfunction can cause the plant roots to dry out and die quickly.
surabky / Getty Images
Nutrient Film Technique
In the nutrient film technique, the water and nutrient solution are held in a larger reservoir with an air pump to keep it oxygenated. The plants themselves are grown in a nearby channel (called net pots) and the water pump is set on a timer that pushes the water through the channel at certain intervals. The roots aren’t completely submerged, but the pump helps deliver a thin film of nutrients and water to the plants.
At the end of the channel, the solution can be dropped back into the main reservoir to be reused. Apart from being a low-waste continuously flowing system, this method ensures that the roots don’t become suffocated with too much solution and requires little to no growing medium. However, it requires a lot of observation, since any malfunction in the pumps or clog in the channel can ruin the plants.
Hydroponics at Home?
Having your own hydroponic system at home is a great way to grow your own plants and vegetables faster than the traditional outdoor soil technique, or if you live in a city apartment without access to an outdoor gardening plot. For beginners, it's best to start with a simpler, less expensive system like deep water culture or wick. All systems, however, will require a reservoir or other large container, a nutrient source, and water, while many may also include a growing light, medium, and an air pump.
As urban gardening continues to rise in popularity, so does technology. There are plenty of indoor or outdoor hydroponics gardens in a wide range of budgets available to consumers who don’t have the time or space to create sophisticated hydroponic operations.
Pros and Cons
Not only do hydroponic plants yield more crops, they also require less space and can be used year-round. Plus, plants grown hydroponically typically use less water than traditional farming, can yield larger amounts, and rarely require pesticides or chemicals. For example, a 2018 study in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that nutrient film technique hydroponic systems save 70% to 90% of water among leafy and other vegetables. By leaving out the soil component entirely, you’re also leaving out all of the potential issues (like plant pests and diseases) that can come with it.
Used hydroponic water, however, contains nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen that can be hazardous if it enters waterways, potentially causing excessive growth of algae that kills aquatic animals or contaminating drinking water. Most growers dispose of leftover hydroponic nutrients by filtering out the minerals and disposing of the remaining wastewater after it's been purified, and those who work on a smaller scale may reuse wasted nutrients in future hydroponic projects. Some researchers have even been successful in reusing the nutrients found in non-recycled hydroponic waste solution for growing other plants in greenhouses.
Lead photo: Chonticha Vatpongpee / Getty Images
USA - WISCONSIN: Valor Aquaponic Coming To Hartford Public Market
“They are a commercial aquaponics farm using non-GMO seeds and rainbow trout and koi to grow all natural vegetables,” according to the Hartford Public Market’s post
Daily News Staff
May 26, 2021
Patrick Hansen is bringing Pewaukee-based Valor Aquaponics to the Hartford Public Market.
Submitted photo
HARTFORD — Valor Aquaponics, out of Pewaukee, is the most recent vendor announced as coming to the new Hartford Public Market this summer.
Valor Aquaponics provides basil, microgreens, and other vegetable products grown on its urban aquaponics farm setup, according to a Facebook post from the Hartford Public Market. According to Valor’s own Facebook page, Valor is certified USDA organic.
“They are a commercial aquaponics farm using non-GMO seeds and rainbow trout and koi to grow all natural vegetables,” according to the Hartford Public Market’s post.
“From organic microgreens to organic basal, Patrick (Hansen) will be bringing in some great options into our refrigerator space. We are really looking forward to offering this product in our market!” it continued.
Aquaponics is a system in which fish and produce are farmed together. The water and waste from the fish is processed to be used as fertilizer for the plants, and the plants in turn filter and oxygenate the water for the fish.
Information on Valor Aquaponics’ website stated that aquaponics systems use 95 percent less water than conventional farming, one-third the energy of other farming systems and because of aquaponics using controlled systems indoors, it does not require pesticides or other harmful chemicals to maintain.
Valor began in 2019 when Patrick Hansen built his first home aquaponics system from seeds and blue tilapia. The business’s indoor farm in Waukesha opened in August of last year.
Ally and Steve Kenitz, husband and wife, are currently working on the space for their new business, the Hartford Public Market at 102 N. Main St. Ally Kenitz said they do not have a hard timeline yet, but they are hoping to have the space completed and open by this August.
Once open, Ally said, the Hartford Public Market will host items from dozens of vendors — they have more than 20 lined up already, and are hoping to have 100 by the time opening day comes.
Squamish Nation Grows Plans For Food Security With Hydroponic Farm
While the outside of this 40-foot container is rather striking, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. 🌱
Noah Hilton
May 22, 2021
Home Kits Allows To Grow All Kinds of Plants
If you're the green-fingered type, then Altifarm's latest addition to its indoor garden range—the PicoMax—will be of interest. The brand has just launched its crowdfunding campaign
If you're the green-fingered type, then Altifarm's latest addition to its indoor garden range—the PicoMax—will be of interest. The brand has just launched its crowdfunding campaign.
Growing your own flowers, plants, fruit, and vegetables can be a laborious process for many. Plants die easily without the correct care and attention, and busy lifestyles mean we can't always get out in the garden and tend to a vegetable patch or flower bed. Thankfully, Altifarm has the answer. After successfully launching its palm-sized Pico indoor garden via a well-received 2020 crowdfunding campaign, the brand is back with the latest in its range; the PicoMax.
What is the PicoMax indoor garden?
Essentially, PicoMax is an indoor planter that automatically waters your plants and provides them with exactly the right amount of light to ensure rapid growth and an abundance of greenery.
Altifarm has designed the PicoMax to water your flowers automatically and provide them with the correct amount of light to encourage rapid and abundant growth.
It does this using an irrigation system attached to the base of the planter, along with full-spectrum white LEDs (plus specific red and blue wavelengths) on telescopic arms above the planter. Telescopic, to allow you to move them up as your plants or vegetables grow.
Using its own Real-Time Clock (RTC) powered by a button cell (the first of its kind among its indoor garden peers), and a rechargeable battery pack that lasts up to four days, you can pretty much leave your plants to their own devices and just watch as they grow.
Read the complete article at www.makeuseof.com.
Publication date: Wed 26 May 2021
USA - INDIANA: Planning A $1.7 Million Expansion Spread Over Four Years
GroPod, a Heliponix LLC brand, announced plans to grow its operations in southern Indiana, with plans to create up to 30 new, high-wage jobs in Vanderburgh County by the end of 2025
GroPod, a Heliponix LLC brand, announced plans to grow its operations in southern Indiana, with plans to create up to 30 new, high-wage jobs in Vanderburgh County by the end of 2025.
GroPod will invest more than $1.7 million over the next four years to expand its operations in downtown Evansville in order to support the production of its primary product, the GroPod system, which is a smart garden appliance that allows consumers the ability to grow vegetables, herbs and specialty plants in their homes.
“With our strong agricultural tradition and booming tech sector, Indiana offers an ideal environment for companies like GroPod that are at the intersection of ag and technology to flourish,” said Interim Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Staton. “Choosing to plant its roots in Evansville, GroPod will not only create high-skilled, high-wage jobs, but it will also bolster a growing industry that is developing innovative solutions, improving agricultural products consumed around the world, and providing consumers with a sustainable food source.”
Massey co-founded GroPod in 2016 with Ivan Ball, and the pair initially funded the business through pitch competition awards, including Gold and Black Awards totaling $100,000 from the Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund in 2018. Since then, the company has raised more than $1 million from investors. GroPod’s parent company, Heliponix, was recently awarded a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant for $256,000 with a $50,000 Elevate match to research an LED lighting system to maximize the production of leafy vegetables.
“The city of Evansville is honored to be the home of GroPod,” said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “I’m grateful to the commitment of Scott and his team for their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”
For more information:
GroPod
www.gropod.io
Publication date: Wed 26 May 2021
Sadarah Partners With iFarm To Advance The Next Generation of Sustainable Vertical Farming in Qatar
A multi-year partnership will optimize indoor growing of leafy greens, strawberries and edible flowers, contributing to the implementation of Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy
Doha (Qatar), Helsinki (Finland), Moscow (Russia) - Sadarah (Qatar), owner of Agrico Organic Farm, and iFarm, a Finland-headquartered AgTech company with operations in Russia, Europe and globally, joined forces to build and collaboratively manage a commercial-scale indoor farm based on iFarm’s latest vertical farming technology in the State of Qatar. The multi-year partnership will optimize the growing of leafy greens, strawberries, and edible flowers and help ensure a steady year-round supply of fresh produce to the tables of Qatari people.
“This partnership brings one of the world’s most advanced vertical farming technologies to our country. Combining Agrico and iFarm’s capability will deliver consumers even more of the freshest produce on the same day,” said Mr Ahmed Hussain Al-Khalaf, Chairman of Sadarah/Agrico. “Strawberries and most lettuce varieties are now 100% imported and in many cases of a low quality and lacking freshness. Once the development is ready we will jointly be delivering the freshest strawberries and lettuces available anywhere in the world.”
The first phase of Sadarah-iFarm partnership involves developing a commercial trial farm at Sadarah’s Agrico Farm in Al Khor, Qatar. This will be the first deployment in the countries of Gulf Cooperation Council of an AI managed vertical farm that uses drones to monitor crop health and manage yields. Thus, combining Agrico's know-how and technology for farming in arid environments with iFarm’s state-of-the-art vertical farming solution will enable to improve the quality of crops and to maximize the yield in one of the world’s harshest environments.
The second phase of the joint project entails commercial distribution of the produce to the local Qatar market and the expansion of the vertical farming technology to other farms in Qatar and its regional neighbours. Both Sadarah and iFarm are focused on delivering the most flavourful, nutritious, fresh leafy greens, strawberries, and edible flowers at any time throughout the year. The partnership will also help Qatar reduce its heavy reliance on food imports and bring the country closer to achieving the goal of reaching a 70% self-sufficiency in food production by 2023, as outlined in Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy.
“Vertical farming is a key to boosting food security in Qatar, where conventional agricultural production is extremely challenging due to the country’s hot and arid climate. We are excited to tap into Agrigo’s long-standing expertise in the region and work together toward helping Qatar achieve its ambitious goals of food independence”, said Kirill Zelenski, CEO of iFarm - Intellectual Farm, OY. “I believe that it's the beginning of a long-term and fruitful collaboration. The role of iFarm won’t be limited to simply supplying equipment and software at the construction phase, but we will help oversee the farm after it’s up and running and provide support to our partners in managing iFarm’s cutting-edge technology.”
Qatar-Russia Investment and Trade Advisory (QRITA) acted as an advisor in establishing the partnership and will continue to work with iFarm and Sadarah to develop their joint venture further.
Oleg Chizh, Managing Director and CEO of QRITA, said: “We are pleased to facilitate the integration of the advanced agricultural technology by iFarm into the food security framework in Qatar and the MENA region, in partnership with Sadarah - one of the leading diversified conglomerates in the region, with a long-standing history in the food and agriculture space. This is consistent with QRITA’s mission to enable impactful cross-border partnerships between the Russia/CIS and GCC regions. We look forward to supporting the partners in launching this pilot project and, hopefully, many subsequent projects. We are honored to contribute to promoting sustainable urban farming in Qatar.”
About Sadarah LLC (Qatar): Established in 2005, Al Sadarah Group has established itself as one of the leading family-owned conglomerates in the region. A business enterprise built around traditional family values and an uncompromising commitment to integrity, premium service, and social responsibility. Al Sadarah Group has created new benchmarks of excellence within its diverse portfolio which has grown to include ventures in F&B, real estate development, education, constructions, engineering, and investment.
Agrico Qatar is a private Qatari Agricultural Development Company that was founded on the principle of sustainable long-term agricultural production with an eye on the National target of achieving food security. AGRICO has achieved this through combining local innovation, international expertise, and the best available technology in the world. Agrico is one of the first and largest organic smart farms in Qatar, with 100,000 sqm of organic greenhouses. Production more than 10,000 ton/year and distribution over 1,400 supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes in Qatar. Using the most cutting-edge locally developed technology and turnkey solution system.
About iFarm — Intellectual Farm, OY (Finland): Established in 2017, iFarm provides innovative technologies for growing fresh greens, berries, and vegetables. iFarm has farms operating and under construction in Europe, Middle East, Russia, and CIS, with a total planting area of more than 30.000 m². iFarm technologies are recognized worldwide: the project is included in the TOP 500 food startups of the world and is a member of the EIT Food Accelerator Network; iFarm also became the best agricultural startup in Europe in The Europas Awards 2020, the winner in the category of the best social impact startup of Nordic Startup Awards 2019. Recently, iFarm received a Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label that certifies environment-friendly technologies that have proven to be profitable and economically viable.
About QRITA (Russia): QR Investment and Trade Advisory is a specialist cross-border advisory and business development firm that supports and facilitates the proactive development of business transactions between the markets of Qatar and Russia, as well as between the broader Gulf and Russia/CIS regions. QRITA is a subsidiary of the Qatari-Russian Center for Cooperation (QRCC).
USA - VIDEO: President David Lee Recap Business Update
AppHarvest president and board member David Lee joined Yahoo! Finance to discuss the company’s mission, a business update, and the ways AgTech helps impact food security and sustainability
DAVID LEE:
‘OUR FOCUS IS CREATING VALUE
FOR OUR SHAREHOLDERS
OVER THE LONG-TERM'
AppHarvest president and board member David Lee joined Yahoo! Finance to discuss the company’s mission, a business update, and the ways AgTech helps impact food security and sustainability.
“It's about using technology at AppHarvest, creating a consumer movement, being radically transparent, and – trying to build a better food company, very similar to where we started back when we launched the business at Impossible Foods,” Lee said. These are two companies that are different, but they share a common approach. Do well for investors, do well for the planet, and demonstrate that you can do both.”
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USA - COLORADO: Sedalia-Based FarmBox Foods Sending Container Farms All Over The World
FarmBox Foods’ short-term goals include partnering with institutions that help provide the biggest possible impact for the most people, including food banks, schools, and hospitals
Posted by Chris Michlewicz
May 28, 2021
With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns impacting crops and a continuing global food crisis affecting millions, a Colorado company is using tech-based indoor farming to make sure no one goes without a reliable, secure source of nutrient-rich food.
FarmBox Foods, based in Sedalia, has spent the last four years developing automated farms in shipping containers to grow organic leafy greens, culinary herbs, tomatoes, and now pine tree seedlings. The company also has a first-of-its-kind gourmet mushroom farm that produces around 400 pounds of mushrooms per week.
The mission-driven company is focused on helping feed those living in food deserts while empowering local communities and providing jobs and educational opportunities. FarmBox Foods’ patented vertical hydroponic watering systems use 90% less water than traditional farms and yield the equivalent of 2 – 2.5 acres of farmland. The repurposed shipping containers that house these systems can be placed virtually anywhere in the world — from island nations to college campuses to the frozen reaches of Alaska — and produce food year-round.
The fully controlled enclosed growing environment is protected from pests and pathogens, which reduces and can eliminate entirely the need for pesticides, allowing people to harvest and eat untainted farm-fresh produce. Setting up containers in or near populated areas also reduces food waste, as the food is able to get to the table more quickly and can better retain its nutritional value.
“The real mission in this whole thing is to be able to feed the world in places that ordinarily wouldn’t be able to grow food,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods.
FarmBox Foods’ short-term goals include partnering with institutions that help provide the biggest possible impact for the most people, including food banks, schools, and hospitals.
Learn more at www.farmboxfoods.com.
Posted in Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Douglas County Business, Douglas County Front, Featured, Jefferson County, South Jeffco
Tagged agtech, climatecontrolledfarming, Colorado, coloradobusiness, containerag, containerfarms, eatorganic, farmboxfoods, farmboxfoodscolorado, farming, farmtotable, fooddeserts, foodinequality, foodinsecurity, foodsecurity, growyourownfood, indoorfarming, indoorfarms, mushroomcultivation, mushroomfarm, mushrooms, organic, sedalia, urbanfarming, verticalhydroponicfarm, verticalhydroponics
About the Author: Chris Michlewicz
USA - KENTUCKY: Elliott County High School Receives New Container Farm Through AppHarvest
The curriculum provided by AppHarvest will cover topics such as high-tech growing and an introductory course on local food systems and food resiliency
May. 29, 2021
SANDY HOOK, Ky. (WSAZ) - Some students at Elliott County High School will soon be able to help grow food -- not only for themselves but for the entire region.
The Elliott County High School container farm is the fourth addition to AppHarvest’s program in 2021 and the sixth educational container farm to date.
The container farm program was launched in 2018 and demonstrates AppHarvest’s ongoing commitment to cultivating interest in high-tech farming as it seeks to create America’s AgTech capital from inside Appalachia. Each retrofitted shipping container acts as a hands-on agricultural classroom for students, allowing them to grow and provide fresh leafy greens to their classmates and those in need in their communities.
AppHarvest has opened container farms in Eastern Kentucky at Madison Central High School in Richmond; Breathitt High School in Jackson; Shelby Valley High School in Pikeville; and Rowan County Senior High School and AppHarvest’s flagship farm at Rockcastle County High School in Morehead.
Elliott County High School’s container farm includes space to grow up to 2,760 seedlings and 2,960 mature plants, all at once in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system. NFT is a water-saving system in which plant roots are continuously fed all necessary water and nutrients by a shallow stream, also called “film.” Excess water drains to a holding tank and is then recirculated. This system of high-tech growing sets the Elliott County container apart from AppHarvest’s other educational containers, which have operated hydroponically and vertically.
“One of our goals at AppHarvest is to build an AgTech capital right here in Appalachia,” said Jonathan Webb, AppHarvest Founder, and CEO. “We want to see communities across the region use technology to bring farms to life. And in five years from now, it’ll be leaders from these very programs coming to us with ideas on how we continue to evolve and change agriculture.”
Makayla Rose, Elliott County High School agriculture teacher, will lead the newest container program.
The curriculum provided by AppHarvest will cover topics such as high-tech growing and an introductory course on local food systems and food resiliency.
“This is exciting. Some students who might not like to get in the dirt have a different way of growing vegetables,” said Garret Barker, president of Elliot County’s FFA chapter. “It’s different than my farm at home. It doesn’t depend on outside factors like the rain. It’s all controlled by an app.”
Lead Photo: Elliott County High School receives new container farm through AppHarvest (Kimberly Keagy/ WSAZ)
USA - VIDEO: Founder And CEO Jonathan Webb, Recap Business Update
Jonathan Webb appeared on Fox Business program Claman’s Countdown to discuss the company’s quarterly earnings report and how agriculture is ripe for disruption
FOUNDER AND CEO JONATHAN WEBB
TALKS DISRUPTING
AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECTOR ON
CLAMAN’S COUNTDOWN
Jonathan Webb appeared on Fox Business program Claman’s Countdown to discuss the company’s quarterly earnings report and how agriculture is ripe for disruption.
“We are focused on bringing food production back to the U.S.,” Jonathan said. “We’ve pushed most of our fruit and vegetable production down to Mexico and we have got to bring it back to the U.S., and we can do it through controlled environment, growing indoors.”
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Learn How To Sustainably Grow Food. Connect To The Earth
Growing is good for your health and the environment.
About this event
Urban Farming Institute's goal is to teach individuals and families how to grow their own food. In Series No. 1: Off To A Good Start, Seeds and Seedlings staff demonstrate creative options to sustainably grow food employing different methods and mediums. Be inspired. Growing is good for your health and the environment.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Urban Farming Institute Of Boston
Organizer of The Grow More Food Series, Series No. 1: Growing Your Own
The Urban Farming Institute of Boston’s (UFI) mission is to contribute to healthy people and sustainable cities by promoting and creating self-sustaining urban farming enterprises and farming jobs. By enabling urban farming through farm creation, farmer training, public education and policy change, UFI brings people in urban neighborhoods closer to food production, nurtures a healthy local food system, promotes job creation and the industry of urban agriculture.
ags: Online Events Online Classes Online Health Classes #grow_your_own_food #growing_vegetables #growing_food #container_gardening #growing_herbs #containerplanting #growing_with_a_garden #growing_without_a_garden #growing_workshop
'Automation Is Needed To Reduce Costs And Improve Efficiency'
“We believe that automation can play a decisive role in delivering fresh produce for the most diverse uses and make agriculture accessible to many," says Giuseppe
There is so much to win regarding safety and workforce availability that traditional farming won’t help us with,” says Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Pasciuti, Marketing Strategist and Board Member at ONO Exponential Farming. For this particular reason, automation is the key to agricultural acceleration.
“We believe that automation can play a decisive role in delivering fresh produce for the most diverse uses and make agriculture accessible to many," says Giuseppe. He continues, "automation can also limit low labor availability in the agricultural sector. It could even, as we have experienced during the pandemic, restrict the access of pathogens or viruses in food production. We at ONO/EF believe that automation is the key to match the new era for indoor farming ”
Full automation
ONO/EF Farms allows growers to remotely control all growing operations. Through automation, ONO/EF Farm is continuously generating new growing conditions for plants, in terms of climate conditions and the right mix of nutrients according to each crop type and its growth stage. Giuseppe says that automation allows them to reduce CapEx and operation costs dramatically.
ONO E/F's idea of vertical farming does not require Giga farms to make the investment sustainable. Giuseppe says that "the company isn't keen to build the largest farm in the world, but a distributed network of connected farms close to consumers. Because in this industry, collaboration is key.”
According to Giuseppe, the vertical farming industry needs profitability in combination with sustainability. “For that reason, we have developed ONO Exponential Farming. Our advanced technological platform, which is completely robotized, supported by AI and our algorithms,” he says.
ONO / EF provides 100% of the production infrastructure, from seeding to finished product packaging.“We are redefining the concept of farming by constantly update and improve our algorithms and AI. In this way, we can make farm operations more effective and efficient.
Experience
ONO/EF has been a technology provider in industrial automation for 20 years. The vertical farming industry is known for its rapid development in terms of techniques and automation.
“Our company is already witnessing the introduction of automated elements that we consider outdated. Functional automation is linked to complete processes that allow human intelligence to concentrate on value-added activities. Activities such as studying plant physiology and identifying cause-effect relationships in growth processes," Giuseppe says.
For more information:
Giuseppe Pasciuti, Marketing Strategist and Board Member
ONO Exponential Farming
giuseppe.pasciuti@onoef.com
https://onoexponentialfarming.com
26 May 2021
Author: Rebekka Boekhout
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Vertical Farming Startup Hopes To Make Fresh, Healthy Greens More Affordable Across America
Forward Greens, a Vancouver, Washington-based vertical farm is re-envisioning and repurposing existing machinery, technology, and traditional farming methods. Founder Ken Kaneko who previously worked in tech at Intel and Apple is now looking at how to make indoor farming an accessible resource across the nation
May 28, 2021
Vertical farming startup from Vancouver, Washington, hopes to transform the "greens" industry.
FORWARD GREENS
With land expensive to buy, and farmers facing weather-related changes constantly and a push towards more eco-friendly and local production of food, could indoor (and vertical) farming be part of the answer?
Forward Greens, a Vancouver, Washington-based vertical farm is re-envisioning and repurposing existing machinery, technology, and traditional farming methods. Founder Ken Kaneko who previously worked in tech at Intel and Apple is now looking at how to make indoor farming an accessible resource across the nation.
Here’s more on his unique journey from tech to agriculture and his new mission to get us growing more green vertically.
Chhabra: You were inspired in Japan. Tell me what you saw there and how it got your wheels turning.
Kaneko: When I was working at Apple, I went to Japan on business to look for real estate for manufacturing electronics components for phones and other devices. Japan used to have many semiconductor and hard-disk manufacturing sites before much of it got off-shored, much like America. We took a look at many of these older sites, which were oftentimes empty or repurposed for other activities. One of the sites was operating as an indoor farm, and that piqued my interest.
My background is in R/D for semiconductors, and the fact that there were plants growing in an old semiconductor fabrication made me think, “Maybe I can try this.” So I did.
Founder Ken Kaneko | FORWARD GREENS
Chhabra: Why don't we do more vertical farming? It makes a lot of sense from various angles — space, water, cost, etc.
Kaneko: There’s a capital intensity that is not easy to manage. That’s in part due to the fact that a strong vendor and sub-vendor network has not yet matured, so getting the right equipment in place can require big up-front costs. While vertical farming is poised to transform the future of agriculture because of its multiple benefits across the environment, food safety and supply chain, starting a farm can be expensive, especially if it’s built to scale. Production has yet to be formalized so that it can be replicated and used as a template to build multiple vertical farms across the country, and this would help the industry deliver a cost-effective product to consumers in a financially sustainable way.
Another key component is that introducing something new takes time. The idea of vertical farming is gaining traction, but most consumers require education to understand what exactly it is, how it works, its benefits, the things that can be grown, etc. Without that knowledge, it can be an intimidating industry. Produce itself is also heavily commoditized. So many marketing dollars have gone into different brands, farming methodologies, cultivars, etc. Overcoming that, especially as a new entrant, takes time.
Chhabra: How did you fund this venture?
Kaneko: Forward Greens was funded through a mixture of capital from friends, acquaintances and from my own savings.
Chhabra: What challenges did you face in your first harvest? Any big learning curves?
Kaneko: Everything about this experience has been humbling. For the first harvest, things went surprisingly well with respect to product formulation, product packaging, quality assurance and food safety. The part that was the trickiest was learning how the distribution business works with respect to retailer preference and margin expectations.
Chhabra: Is vertical farming getting enough traction and support, in your opinion?
Kaneko: I think vertical farming is beginning to gain traction as a number of facilities are opening up across the country. Vertical farms, in conjunction with controlled environment greenhouses, will likely create a unique market category known for never using pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Alongside the environmental benefits, these farms provide a significant safety factor that outdoor farming has difficulties in controlling, especially with fresh produce.
Chhabra: How do you think you can make vertical farming more cost-effective and easier to replicate?
Kaneko: From an idealistic engineering perspective, I would like to think anything is possible in terms of making vertical farming more cost-effective. The difficult part is executing this possibility at a reasonable cost. To do it, the industry requires the collective learnings built on the successes and mistakes of everyone involved. You see something similar with the recent technologies in electronics and automobiles. As companies start iterating on others’ ideas, innovations happen. And when more companies build on these solutions it actually helps drive down costs associated with those solutions.
Forward Greens is highly focused on the costs related to delivering a fantastic product to the consumer. We aim to optimize the cost of the whole process by using existing machinery, technology and methods already tried and tested in agricultural and packaging industries. Our focus is on streamlining production to spend more time pushing the practice toward its intended use: using less land, less water, zero pesticides and prioritizing the environment. Efficiencies in how to use technology lead to new ways to apply the technology.
Chhabra: What do you make of all this chatter around regenerative agriculture? Where does vertical farming fit into this?
Kaneko: Agriculture heavily impacts greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to the space utilization, deforestation, water and chemical discharge in the environment. And many people are now noticing these effects. Any practice or methodology that helps in mitigating impacts on the environment should be considered as part of the portfolio of solutions. Regenerative agriculture, organic farming, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming should all be pursued as they optimize on varying impacts.
Much like negotiating problems spanning science, politics, etc, there is rarely a single solution that addresses all of the issues. I think this is especially true for something as complex as climate change and repairing the environment.
Chhabra: Do you have to have a branded product to make it a profitable venture or can you just be a classic farmer (albeit vertically) and sell the crop to distributors/ CSAs/ markets?
Any of these models can work. Forward Greens opted to brand our greens because we hope to educate the consumers about the benefits of our methodologies and products. Because we’re indoors, we use no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. We use 97% less land and 95% less water than traditional outdoor agriculture. As a company and brand, Forward Greens is also able to build local partnerships within our own community through employment opportunities and food donations. These benefits and possibilities are due in large part because we grow our products and distribute them under our brand.
Because farm products traditionally trade many hands, the integrity of the product is oftentimes diluted at each node of the supply chain. The farms, packers, distributors, etc. all have competing interests, so messaging and communication can be inconsistent to the end consumer. Forward Greens believes in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it, so we want to keep a channel of communication open directly with our consumers.
I cover a new taxonomy that looks at the crossroads of business and impact, particularly brands and individuals who are developing solutions for social and environmental problems. As a freelance journalist, I’ve written for numerous publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times, Atlantic, Economist, and The Guardian. In recent years, the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting has supported my reporting from Asia, which looks at sustainable fashion, global health, and technology for development. Follow me on Twitter @esh2440 or on Instagram at @eshatravels.
Brick Street Farms Expands Through Florida and East Coast
“We really wanted to bring food production to the point of consumption, so we’re focused on embedding our farms in urban areas,” says Shannon O’Malley, CEO, and co-founder of Florida-based container farming company, Brick Street Farms
"We Are As Much A
Technology Company
As We Are A Farm Operator”
“We really wanted to bring food production to the point of consumption, so we’re focused on embedding our farms in urban areas,” says Shannon O’Malley, CEO, and co-founder of Florida-based container farming company, Brick Street Farms.
The company was founded by Shannon and her husband Bradley, who combined her expertise in electrical engineering with his background in software development to design their own shipping container farms.
According to Shannon, a major differentiator of Brick Streets Farms is that the company manufactures and operates its own shipping container farms.
Brick Street Farms Hubs
Brick Street Farms has recently secured a significant investment from Lykes Brothers, which is reportedly one of the largest and longest-running private agricultural companies in the United States. During the official announcement last week, the financial investment will be used to aggressively expand Brick Street Farms hubs, which are the combination of container farms with a retail front in densely populated areas.
Click here to Zoom the photo. (Photo courtesy of Brick Street Farms)
According to Shannon, this expansion will begin in west-central Florida then expand to the east coast. From these hubs, Brick Street Farms will also introduce home delivery and will support restaurant partners located within 50-100 miles of the hubs. Already in 272 Publix supermarkets, Brick Street Farms will continue this partnership and plans to expand into additional product categories.
Building a resilient, multi-channel sales strategy
Brick Street Farms was first developed in 2015, and during its early years, the company predominantly sold its products to restaurants and directly to customers. However, the pandemic-induced shutdown in 2020 resulted in the loss of 70% of Brick Street Farms’ clients due to restaurant closures. As Shannon explains, Brick Street Farms was already selling its products in the GreenWise section at Publix supermarkets, which is reportedly the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the US. This partnership allowed Brick Street Farms to quickly pivot following the mandated closure of restaurants.
“In the same month that Florida went into lockdown, grocery stores saw an incredible jump in demand so we were able to quickly pivot and provide our vegetables to grocery stores within a week. We are currently in 272 Publix stores and are working to expand into west-central Florida,” says Shannon. The state of Florida has since reopened and Brick Street Farms was able to bring back its previous accounts and sign new ones, according to Shannon.
Brick Street Farms also has its own gourmet market located at the farm that is open six days per week. Consumers can shop either on-site or online, with contactless delivery available. Shannon also explains that the company has adopted a unique twist to community-supported agriculture. By subscribing to a farm membership, consumers receive a discount and support the recently approved non-profit, Desert Farms Foundation.
“We established Desert Farms Foundation to help us bring container farms to food deserts within the United States. With a farm membership, 1% of the proceeds go to Desert Farms Foundation to really support community agriculture,” explains Shannon.
Thrive Containers
“Our containers are under the name Thrive Containers, which is wholly owned by Brick Street Farms. Our containers are the equivalent of 2-3 acres of traditional farmland. They use very little water, are energetically efficient, produce very little waste and use no chemicals. Since our products are wash-free, our customers get the benefits of long-lasting produce,” explains Shannon.
According to Shannon, Brick Street Farms is as much an agtech company as it is a farm operator. The company decided to establish Thrive Containers as its own entity within Brick Street Farms in order to differentiate between the food production and manufacturing aspect of the company. “When people see Brick Street Farms, we want them to think of butterhead lettuce, basil and our other vegetables,” notes Shannon.
Thrive Containers does not sell its container farms to third parties, but instead continuously improves the farm design for current and future installations. As Shannon explains, the company focuses on designing intelligent systems that can adjust to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Thrive containers have more than 120 sensors in and around the farm to monitor and respond to ambient temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, vapor pressure deficit, etc.
Brick Street Farms and Thrive Containers work closely, with the engineers and designers having all undergone farmer training to ensure that the systems designed truly respond to the needs of Brick Street Farms’ growers.
Why Florida?
While warm and sunny Florida may seem ideal for outdoor agriculture, Shannon explains that soil conditions make soil-based agriculture somewhat difficult. She says that Florida soils are rather degraded and sandy, lack nutrients and lack natural bacteria, meaning farmers need to spend significant time and effort on rebuilding soils. Also, water sources are highly saline because of our position at level, near the coast, and with a low water table. Finally, the lack of winter makes it difficult to regulate pest cycles.
Lead photo: Co-founders Brad Doyle and Shannon O’Malley
For more information:
Madeline McNaughton, Head of Business Development
Brick Street Farms
madeline@brickstreetfarms.com
www.brickstreetfarms.com
Publication date: Thu 27 May 2021
Author: Rebekka Boekhout
© VerticalFarmDaily.com
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) 4.0 - Conference & Exhibition Day 2 - Friday 4th June - Attendee Tickets Still Available - 522 Attendees Registered
By purchasing a ticket for Conference Day 2 you will receive access and instructions on how you can view recording of the below presentations from Conference Day 1
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) 4.0
Day 2 Conference & Exhibition (Virtual)
Friday 4th June 2021
CEA 4.0 Conference & Exhibition Day 2 is this Friday the 4th of June. With 522 industry attendees officially registered, we still have a small number of attendee tickets that have been made available for Conference Day 2 on Friday
Attendee tickets range from £14.99 - £19.99 per attendee.
Day 2 Conference Presenters
Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) - Derek Stewart, Director
Algal Tech - Armando Leon, Founder & CEO
AmplifiedAg - Don Taylor, CEO & Founder
DAG Facilities - Mark Gemignani, CEO
FarmTech Society (FTS) - Nicole Thorpe, Vice-Chair
GlobalG.A.P. - Kristian Moeller, Managing Director
Greens for Good by Farm Urban - Jens Thomas, Technical Director
GroenLeven - Willem de Vries, Business Innovation Manager
Growfoam - Niels Steenvoorden, Chief Commercial Officer
Intelligent Growth Solutions - David Farquhar, CEO
Jungle - Nicolas Seguy, Managing Director
Mycelium - Eric Dargent, Managing Partner
Mycelium - Yishai Nissan, Managing Partner
Natural Resources Institute Finland - Titta Kotilainen, Senior Scientist
Planet Farms - Daniele Benatoff, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Red Sea Farms - Ryan Lefers, CEO
SolarPower Europe - Miguel Herrero, Policy Advisor
UK Urban AgriTech (UKUAT) - Katia Zacharaki, Communications Director
Urban-Gro - Mark Doherty, Executive Vice President of Operations
Urban Crop Solutions - Tom Debusschere, CEO
Urban Harvest - Alexandre Van Deun, Co-Founder
Urban Harvest - Olivier Paulus, Engineering & Co-Founder
Valoya - Mika Linden, VP Sales
Valoya - Satu Karjalainen, Research Coordinator
Vertical Farm Institute - Daniel Podmirseg, Director
Vertical Future - Jen Bromley, Head of Plant Research & Development
Vertical Harvest - Nona Yehia, Co-Founder & CEO
Würth Elektronik eiSos - Johann Waldherr, Business Development Manager
Day 1 Conference Presenters
By purchasing a ticket for Conference Day 2 you will receive access and instructions on how you can view the recording of the below presentations from Conference Day 1.
AeroFarms - Roger Buelow, Chief Technology Officer
BrightFarms - Paul Lightfoot, President & Founder
CEA Food Safety Coalition - Marni Karlin, Executive Director
Certhon - Martin Veenstra, Consulting Engineer Indoor Farming Systems
Cultinova - Jim Thorpe, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - Caroline Povey, Team Leader – Agri-Innovation Policy
Finnish Glasshouse Growers' Association - Jyrki Jalkanen, CEO
GE Current - Dr. Hans Spalholz, Senior Plant Scientist
Graines Voltz - Solène Voltz, Vertical Farm Sales
Graines Voltz - Wolfgang Fishcer, International Product & Sales Specialist
Heliospectra - Fei Jia, Technical Solutions Manager
HerbanLeaf Farms - Myrianthi Oxtoby, Founder & CEO
Jones Food Company - James Lloyd-Jones, Founder & CEO
LEAF (Linking Environment & Farming) - Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive
Netled - Niko Kurumaa, COO
North Carolina State University - Dr. Ricardo Hernández, Professor
ONO Exponential Farming - Thomas Ambrosi, Director
Planet Farms - Daniele Benatoff, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Real Leaf Farms - Karen Hennessy, CEO
Signify - Tom Könisser, Business Development Manager City Farming
Singapore Food Agency (SFA) - Poh Bee Ling, Director, Horticulture Technology Department Agri-Food
UK Research & Innovation – Innovate UK - Ian Cox, Innovation Lead
UK Research & Innovation – Innovate UK - Tom Jenkins, Deputy Challenge Director – Transforming Food Production
Urban Crop Solutions - Tom Debusschere, CEO
VEK Adviesgroep - Reinier Donkersloot, Director Business Consultancy
Vertical Future - Jen Bromley, Head of Plant Research & Development
Vitabeam - James Millichap-Merrick, CEO
Wageningen University & Research - Luuk Graamans, Scientist Vertical Farming
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OnePointOne And Sakata Seed America Aim To Accelerate The Quality And Variety In Vertical Farming
OnePointOne’s system consists of advanced aeroponics and a fleet of robotic growers to perform most of the day-to-day production functions – from planting, to watering, to harvesting
Industry-Leading Partnership Will Drive Data, Growth, and Consumer Options
SAN JOSE, CA — OnePointOne and Sakata Seed America announced today a game-changing collaboration in the acceleration of vertical farming. Together, the two leading entities will share intelligence and analysis focused on maximizing plant outputs while minimizing environmental impact.
The large-scale research program begins today at OnePointOne’s facility in San Jose, CA. Their 25-foot vertical structure uses LED lights to supplant the sun, a nutrient-rich mist to replace the soils, and a clean-room environment, akin to a computer lab, as the production field.
OnePointOne’s system consists of advanced aeroponics and a fleet of robotic growers to perform most of the day-to-day production functions – from planting, to watering, to harvesting.
Sakata’s wide array of state-of-the-art genetics coupled with OnePointOne’s industry-leading, proprietary tech promises to drive further innovations and discovery.
Dave Armstrong, President/CEO of Sakata adds, “We are taking the Controlled Environment Agriculture arena very seriously. By working with OnePointOne on product research and development, we aim to push the segment’s development in a real-world vertical production environment. Working together directly and fully sharing information enables both sides to capture data that might otherwise take years to generate.”
“Working with OnePointOne gives us the opportunity to test many of our varieties in a true vertical system and highly precise indoor environment. The performance data we’ll collect will help us continue to refine our varieties and fine-tune our breeding programs for the CEA space,” said Tracy Lee, Sakata’s Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Lead.
“We are on a mission to unleash the power of plants to feed, fuel and heal the world,” explains Sam Bertram, CEO, and Co-Founder of OnePointOne. “As we launch Willo, the world’s first personalized vertical farming experience, this Sakata partnership will help amplify our ability to bring an exciting list of cultivars to our members. Furthermore, it will drive the innovations and advances needed to bring a more sustainable growth platform to the market at scale.”
About Sakata Seed America, Inc.: Headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA, Sakata Seed America is a major research, seed production, and marketing-distribution subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation, established in 1913. Sakata Seed America, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, serves as the headquarters for the North American/Central American operations. Their mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed, innovative genetics, and excellent greenhouse and field performance.
About OnePointOne: Founded in Silicon Valley, OnePointOne is revolutionizing vertical farming by building the most technologically advanced plant cultivation platform on the planet through innovations in automation, AI, and plant science. In 2020, OnePointOne launched Willo (www.willo.farm) the world’s first personalized vertical farming program designed to amplify human health.
Malaysian Mall Visitors Encouraged To Start Farming
Some malls are planning to transform underutilized space into urban farms
By JAROD LIM
26 May 2021
URBAN farming involving local communities is a much-talked-about topic among Klang Valley folk.
As more and more community and urban farms emerge in the city, shopping centres in Klang Valley are jumping on the bandwagon to showcase urban farms set up within their premises.
Tapping into the rising popularity of urban farms among city dwellers and the need for better food security amid the Covid-19 pandemic, they feel it is essential to educate and address food accessibility and sustainability to the masses.
Some malls are planning to transform underutilized space into urban farms.
Taking up 2,100sq ft, Quayside Mall by Gamuda Land in Kota Kemuning, Selangor started its farm called Farm by the Quay in the shopping complex last December.
The mall partnered with Havva Agrotech Sdn Bhd in setting up the farm and grew six types of leafy vegetables using its own method.
Gamuda Leasing, Retail and Malls director Tan Kim Whatt said the idea behind the farm was to encourage people to do their own farming.
Tan (right) and Teoh checking vegetables at Farm by the Quay.
“It goes in line with the company’s core values to encourage a sustainable environment, ” he said, adding that the company had a vision to promote sustainable living. “Through this urban farm within the mall, we hope to spread awareness of its importance to visitors.
“The aim behind this initiative is to show them that it is not difficult to farm with the system that we have. In the long run, it will benefit generations to come, ” said Tan when met at the urban farm.
Farm by the Quay, he added, created an internal and external integration with the mall in Twentyfive.7, an integrated township at the edge of Kota Kemuning, Selangor.
“While the township is centred on sustainable development, the urban farm is a precursor to bigger plans around the area.
“Within the mall, we encourage our tenants, usually restaurants, to adopt the farm-to-table practice by buying products from the urban farms.
“Aside from ensuring the freshness of the vegetables, restaurants also take only what they can sell, which reduces food wastage.
“It is a rather new concept. We are also exploring other means, including having urban farms in other Gamuda Land properties, ” added Tan.
One of the leafy vegetables at Farm by the Quay.
Havva Agrotech farm and product director Teoh Shu Hua said Havva stood for the various urban farming techniques, namely hydroponics, aeroponics, vermiponics, vertical farming, and aquaculture.
She said the system enabled plants to grow in a vertical hollowed tube with their roots exposed to water in a fish tank placed underneath the structure.
Teoh said a separate tank combined hydroponics with vermiculture to provide nutrients to plants such as kailan, bak choy, kale, lettuce, and Japanese cucumber.
“We are also doing experiential engagement with mall visitors through workshops on weekends, ” she added.
Teoh said through Havva Agrotech, they want to educate the public that urban farming was not costly and could be done in small spaces using the company’s integrated vertical farming system.
“Urban farming has become important during this pandemic as more people start to adopt this practice, ” she said.
Farm in the city
In October last year, the Sunway Group launched the Sunway FutureX farm, an urban farm innovation hub in Bandar Sunway.
At the farm, rows of hydroponic vegetables are grown in a glasshouse fit with advanced technologies to monitor the optimum growing condition for the plants.
Van Leeuwen is looking at other Sunway properties to incorporate urban farming.
Led by Sunway iLabs, Sunway FutureX serves as a skills-building hub for urban farmers, technology companies, researchers as well as young talents to collaborate and create transformative solutions that focus on food and agriculture technology.
It currently features two aquaponic farms, an indoor vertical farm, and an outdoor hydroponic farm.
Sunway iLabs director Matthijs van Leeuwen said FutureX Farm was equipped with technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor the plants’ growth.
“The hydroponics method uses 90% less water and generates 30% to 40% higher yield per square feet.
“For the past seven months, we have grown and harvested 25,000 plants and fed 500 families, ” he said.
The pandemic also showed the lack of food security in the city and the need to bring food production closer to it.
“Supply of vegetables at the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market was disrupted and this showed that a centralised supply chain system does not work.
“Hence, a food production system closer to the community removes all the logistics needed to ferry supplies from rural areas to the city.
“It also reduces carbon dioxide emission and improves the nutritional value of vegetables, ” added van Leeuwen.
Technology aside, the farm also engages with the community to be involved in urban farming.
Sunway FutureX Farm also teamed up with Sunway Property in its growing and owning initiative for individuals who want to grow their own produce.
“Interested individuals pay for a small farm plot and they are provided with the seeds and gardening materials. We then manage it for them.
“One can pick up their greens or have it delivered to them, ” explained van Leeuwen.
FutureX Farm also aims to educate and empower communities through sustainable living and urban farming. It also hopes to nurture more agriculture entrepreneurs in Klang Valley.
Van Leeuwen said they were looking at incorporating these urban farms into Sunway properties.
The hydroponic glasshouse at Sunway FutureX uses modern technology to monitor the light intensity and humidity of the surroundings to ensure it provides the optimum environment for vegetables.
“We are also talking to other Sunway properties about reimagining space to transform underutilized areas into urban farms.
“Sunway Property is looking at potential spaces around its development projects to set up urban farm plots, ” he said, adding that similar talks were being held with Sunway City Iskandar Puteri in Johor and Sunway Penang.
“In Klang Valley, we potentially would expand the urban farm in Sunway Velocity and Sunway Pyramid, but we are still in the planning phase.
“We want to educate and raise awareness among the people and get the community involved in urban farming.
“By putting an urban farm in a mall, visitors get to try it out themselves. Ultimately, we want to inspire them. They can then bring this concept back to their community, ” he said.
Public exposure
Central i-City shopping centre in Shah Alam, Selangor teamed up with Trex Event Management to organise its first Urban Farming Festival last month
Featuring 15 exhibitors, the exhibition had a two-pronged approach — to introduce a new and healthy trend to the public while helping the urban farming industry players introduce their products to the masses.
Central i-City Marketing and Strategic Communications senior executive Joyce Chew said the festival encouraged urban farming as a new trend.
“People can consider taking up urban farming as a new hobby that encourages and elevates the quality of life.
“We believe urban farming can help many to achieve their close-to-impossible goal of having green space at home through a sustainable and effective system, ” she said.
Chew added that the festival had paved the way for the possibility of having an urban farm in the mall.
“Since we have a vast open area at the mall’s Level Four, we are exploring the idea to transform the space, ” she said.
Havva’s urban farming techniques include hydroponics, aeroponics, vermiponics, vertical farming, and aquaculture.
Participants’ feedback
Sunway Geolake resident Yap Wei Hsum, 35, who participated in the growing and owning initiative by Sunway FarmX, said she liked the food sustainability efforts promoted by the farm.
“When I purchased the property here, I got to know about the programme through an email.
“Feeling curious, I found out more about it and joined it eventually.
“Initially, the vegetables that I collected weekly were rather small in size, but they improved gradually.
“I was happy with the weekly harvest as it was fresh and enough for the family, ” she said, adding that she even participated in the workshop to learn how the vegetables are grown.
Farm at the Quay visitor Vincent Lim, 35, lauded the mall’s effort to promote urban farming in the city.
“It is a fresh idea that the public can take up as a hobby and grow vegetables in their own backyard.
“We can also teach our children about urban farming, which is something they may not be exposed to while living in the city, ” he said.
Lead photo: Located on the ground floor of Quayside Mall, Farm by the Quay is home to six types of leafy vegetables. — Photos: SS KANESAN, KK SHAM and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Related stories:
Farming solutions to help city folk grow fresh produce for their own consumption
TAGS / KEYWORDS: Urban Farm , Klang Valley , Sunway Gamuda
USA - MARYLAND: A New Farm In Hyattsville Is Growing Microgreens For Delivery
Working out of his childhood home in the neighborhood of University Hills in Hyattsville, owner Max Fetter is growing microgreens including sunflower, pea, and buckwheat shoots; radishes; kale and broccoli for sale through Leafcutter Farm.
Posted on May 25, 2021
A new farm in Hyattsville, which opened earlier this year, is focusing on growing freshly harvested microgreens for delivery.
Working out of his childhood home in the neighborhood of University Hills in Hyattsville, owner Max Fetter is growing microgreens including sunflower, pea, and buckwheat shoots; radishes; kale and broccoli for sale through Leafcutter Farm.
Without adequate sunlight or outdoor space for larger vegetables, Fetter told the Hyattsville Wire he and his partner, environmental planner Emma Prindle, are growing everything on shelves using LED lights.
“We are constantly experimenting and have grown over 30 varieties of microgreens, trying out each to see what will work at our small scale,” he told the Hyattsville Wire. ” We wish we had known how ridiculously versatile, nutritious, and flavorful microgreens are … we would’ve been growing and eating them for years!”
Fetter previously worked full-time at Dicot Farm in Waldorf and ECO City Farms in Edmonston, where he learned about growing larger vegetables while studying microgreen farming online. He hopes to add herbs and larger salad greens in the near future.
The farm takes its name from the leafcutter bee, which brings small bits of leaves home to build a nest, which Fetter said seemed like a “cute representation” of their microgreen delivery service.
You can buy from Leafcutter on its online shop, which offers free delivery every Monday to homes within a three-mile radius, or at Shopkeepers boutique in D.C. You can also get microgreens delivered throughout D.C. and other suburbs in Maryland. Containers come in two-and-a-half ounce to four-ounce ranging from $6 to $12 per container.
Meanwhile, 2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park has partnered with Leafcutter Farm to grow an edible garden in front of its barbecue eatery and New Brooklyn Farms out of Mount Rainier has also partnered with Leafcutter previously.