A Nova Scotia agri-tech firm is “at the doorstep” of commercialization now that construc
A Nova Scotia agri-tech firm is “at the doorstep” of commercialization now that construction of its indoor multi-level growing operation is in full swing.Renovations began an old vacant school in the AgriTech Park in Bible Hill about a month ago into what will be “one of the largest vertical farms in North America,” Gregg Curwin, president and CEO of TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture Ltd., said in an interview Tuesday.The gymnasium of the former school “just so happens to be the ideal size, good ceiling height (with) 24-foot ceilings,” and will house a 10-level completely automated farm.With the latest in LED technology, the company will grow row upon row of leafy greens using recirculated water, no pesticides or fertilizer runoff.“We’ll be cropping fresh product every day, 12 months a year,” Curwin said.This project, expected to cost slightly more than $1.5 million, will see year-round production on a larger scale.“Without weather, you become remarkably efficient,” Curwin said.The firm will first focus on what he called the “consumer interests of today” of baby spinach, romaine, basil, argula and lettuce blends, moving into “new emerging greens” such as watercress and mustard greens.The plan is to introduce mushrooms and strawberries next year, and the company will pursuing other products at its research and development site housed in another building within the park.The move toward commercial-scale production means the company, which has about 12 employees, is hiring to bring staffing to about 20 people, Curwin said.Visit Truleaf’s website to learn more. Founding members of the Association for Vertical Farming in Canada. -- source link
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