GoodLeaf Farms, Canada’s largest commercial vertical farm, and University of Guelph, one of Canada’s leading agricultural universities, are pleased to announce a partnership to further advance in vertical farming.
Vertical farming is an innovative growing process that naturally grows plants with hydroponics under specialized LEDs. The LEDs are customized to mimic waves from the light spectrum that plants need to maximize photosynthesis.
Vertical farming is a cost-effective method of farming that is uniquely suited for the Canadian climate and scalable.
GoodLeaf, founded in Halifax in 2011, uses innovative technology and multi-level vertical farming to grow microgreens and baby greens 365 days a year, without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, as well as dramatically less water than what is used in traditional farming.
Through this partnership, GoodLeaf and the University of Guelph aims to build stronger links between theatrical research and development in processes and technology and practical application in the field.
Some of the projects currently underway include research into:
- Enhancing yields, plant science and new product development
- Substrates, growing compounds, and microbiology
- Human resources and training future experts in the field of vertical farming
“Some of the best and most innovative agricultural research in Canada happens at the University of Guelph,” says Barry Murchie, Chief Executive Officer of GoodLeaf. “Building on the vertical farm technology we have already developed and are using, it will be exciting to see where this partnership can take us.”
GoodLeaf has ongoing R&D Programs in collaboration with the University of Guelph, Dalhousie University and Acadia University.