A typical shipping-container unit filled with ZipGrow’s technology sells for about $200,000, he says. For those wanting the output of more than two containers, he recommends setting up inside a larger building as more viable. Return on investment is achievable in five years on the $200,000 system, but the operator must grow the correct products — and definitely not unprofitable lettuce.

Lettuce offers the lowest return and costs the same to grow as higher margin herbs, he points out. “I tell everyone right off the bat, don’t ever grow lettuce. It’s just a waste of time.”

It’s only in the last couple of years that ZipGrow has made attempts to market directly to farmers, starting with a display at the 2022 International Plowing Match in Kemptville.

Eric Lang, Founder and President of ZipGrow Inc. in Cornwall has a philosophy that works well for him. “Embrace change and make it work,” he says with confidence

A new portable turnkey farming system made in Ontario could contribute to improving food security, solving supply chain disruptions and conserving water resources

The ZipPod launched in June 2022, and the Plowing Match will be the first opportunity for the public to tour this revolutionary turnkey container farming system and see firsthand how crops are grown in ZipGrow hydroponic Towers