Gr(oh) Canada: Highlights from the Canadian Greenhouse Conference

Greetings from Niagara Falls! I am here for the Canadian Greenhouse Conference and wanted to share some things that piqued my interest.?

First, it's important to understand just how much of a Controlled Environment Agriculture powerhouse Canada is.?Canada is not just known for its illustrious winters, or esteemed for its amicable disposition, but it is internationally recognized for its expertise in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).? The concept of using advanced technology to manipulate the agricultural environment is not new; however, Canada has elevated it to a fine art, making significant strides in this sector. Canada boasts over 2000 hectares of greenhouses which is small compared to Europe but double that of its Southern neighbor, the USA. This is impressive because Canada's population is about 1/10th that of the USA.

It is not by accident that Canada is at the forefront of this agricultural revolution. There is an abundance of talent in this field, ranging from researchers tirelessly seeking newer innovations to farmers readily applying these techniques and technologies in their greenhouses.

Canadian Controlled Environment Agriculture Industry

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a technology-driven approach to food production where environmental conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide are controlled to optimize plant growth. This method of farming is particularly relevant in regions with extreme weather conditions or limited arable land, making Canada a prime candidate for its adoption. The Canadian CEA industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and the desire for year-round local produce.

Historical Context

Canada's vast expanse and diverse climate zones have always posed challenges for traditional agriculture. The short growing seasons in many parts of the country, coupled with unpredictable weather patterns, have often limited the types of crops that can be grown and the duration of their availability. Historically, this has led to a heavy reliance on imports to meet the demand for fresh produce, especially during the winter months. Over the years, the greenhouse industry has evolved to meet the unique challenges posed by Canada's vast geography and diverse climate.

Early Beginnings:

The origins of greenhouse production in Canada can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially, greenhouses were primarily used by wealthy individuals and institutions for ornamental plants and to extend the growing season of certain crops. These early structures were simple and primarily made of wood and glass.

Post-WWII Expansion:

The period following World War II saw a significant expansion of the greenhouse industry in Canada. The economic boom, coupled with advancements in transportation and technology, made it feasible for growers to produce crops year-round and distribute them across the country. The focus shifted from ornamental plants to food production, particularly in vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Technological Advancements in the Late 20th Century:

The 1970s and 1980s were transformative decades for the Canadian greenhouse industry. Advancements in technology led to the development of more efficient and larger greenhouses. Plastic replaced glass as the primary material, making greenhouses more affordable and easier to maintain. Automated systems for irrigation, ventilation, and heating were introduced, allowing for more precise control over the growing environment.

The Rise of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA):

As the 21st century approached, the concept of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) began to gain traction in Canada. CEA involves controlling all aspects of the plant environment, including light, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, to optimize growth. This approach was particularly appealing in Canada, where the cold climate and short growing seasons can limit traditional agriculture. The greenhouse sector employs over 27,000 people in Canada.

Focus on Sustainability and Local Production:

The early 2000s saw a growing emphasis on sustainability and local food production in Canada. The greenhouse industry responded by adopting more sustainable practices, such as integrated pest management, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient heating systems. There was also a push to produce more diverse crops, including herbs, leafy greens, and berries, to meet the demand for local produce year-round.

Greenhouses were among the first forms of CEA to gain popularity in Canada. Over time, these evolved from simple glass structures to sophisticated facilities with computer-controlled environments, allowing for the cultivation of crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers year-round. The Canadian greenhouse industry has been growing at an average rate of 10% per year.

Modern Innovations

The rise of vertical farming and hydroponics has further revolutionized the Canadian CEA landscape. Vertical farms stack multiple growing levels on top of each other, maximizing the use of space. This is particularly advantageous in urban settings where land is at a premium.

LED lighting is another game-changer. Traditional greenhouses relied on sunlight, but modern CEA facilities often use LED lights that can be tuned to provide the optimal light spectrum for plant growth. This ensures consistent growth conditions regardless of external weather or daylight hours.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

The Canadian CEA industry has brought about significant economic benefits. It has created jobs in technology, agriculture, and research sectors. Moreover, by producing locally, the need for long-haul transportation of fresh produce is reduced, leading to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. The use of advanced technologies in Canadian greenhouses has increased productivity by 30%.

Environmentally, CEA offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming. These systems typically use less water, thanks to recirculation techniques in hydroponics and aeroponics. Pesticide use is also minimized since controlled environments can be more easily kept pest-free. Over 80% of Canadian greenhouse operations use some form of integrated pest management. ?

About the Canadian Greenhouse Conference

The recent conference was impressive, noting an array of innovations that promise to propel the industry further. A?salient feature of these innovations is not just their ability to improve yield and decrease waste, but their focus also lies in enhancing sustainability and lowering the carbon footprint of the industry.?

Tours

The pre-event tours of greenhouses were an exciting kick-off to the Canadian Greenhouse Conference. One that stood out to me was Freeman Herbs who is trialing Agrivoltaics. At first glance, placing a solar panel atop a greenhouse might seem counterintuitive. However, an experiment at Freeman Herbs demonstrates that with innovative techniques, greenhouses can harness solar energy without compromising the growth of plants beneath.

Freeman Herbs, renowned for its retail-ready potted herbs, fitted these unique panels over half an acre of its 15-acre establishment last year. The preliminary outcomes are encouraging, remarked the firm's R&D manager, Marco de Leonardis.

“This could be groundbreaking,” de Leonardis expressed.

These panels ingeniously merge physics and biology. They ensure plants receive the necessary sunlight, even as some of it is captured by the solar cells.

The secret is that plants predominantly need light from the red spectrum. They utilize light from other wavelengths but in smaller quantities. The panels, therefore, transform light to the red spectrum, which the plants absorb. This compensates for the light channeled to the solar cells for electricity generation. These cells capture sunlight directly and also from a red polyurethane back-sheet that concentrates the red light on the plants, reflecting the remainder to the energy-producing cells.

The panels were crafted by Ontario-based Heliene , who were on the lookout for greenhouses to test their product. Freeman Herbs' trial is a segment of this initiative, supported by the Greenhouse Renewable Energy Technologies grant. Heliene incorporated sensors to track plant growth. While the comprehensive results are pending, de Leonardis is optimistic based on preliminary observations.

Scott McLorie, Heliene's VP of Business Development, stated, “Our pilot showcases that our technology can simultaneously support crop growth and solar energy production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.”

However, de Leonardis pointed out that their herb varieties have distinct needs compared to other greenhouse plants. Their focus on compact herbs means they don't prioritize attributes like stem strength. He plans to extend the testing to other crops, such as tomatoes, aligning with their vision to introduce potted vegetables to the market.

Niagara College is also participating in the research, conducting a study with 600 panel modules to evaluate growth patterns. Heliene offers two designs for the panels: one with a checkered layout of cells and red-light back-sheeting, and another with a central strip of cells.

An added advantage, as noted by Heliene, is that the red light appears to suppress the proliferation of thrips, a common greenhouse pest.

Exhibition

The Canadian Greenhouse Conference floor was packed. As I visited many of the exhibitors, it was tough to get a chance to speak with them because of how many attendees were at some of the most popular booths like Priva , Ceres Cannabis Greenhouses , and TTA to name a few.?

MONTEL 's booth caught my attention with a vertical farming rack demonstrating their mobile racking solutions for indoor farming.?

Established in 1924 as a steel manufacturer in Quebec, Montel has evolved over the decades to become a frontrunner in high-density storage systems and smart storage equipment, catering to diverse sectors including cannabis and indoor farming.

Montel's collaboration with the indoor farming sector began in 2016 when Kevin Biernacki , then associated with the Grove (the first licensed cannabis grower in the U.S.), approached them. Biernacki, in his role as Cultivation Manager, was on the lookout for advanced equipment to maximize space both horizontally and vertically. He was particularly impressed by Montel's mobile racking units. Consequently, Montel supplied the Grove with an electrically driven, mobile vertical rack system, a pioneering initiative for vertical farms in North America.

When Doucet visited the Grove, he and Biernacki instantly recognized the potential of their partnership. Biernacki eventually joined Montel. Their initial discussions spanned the future of the industry, covering cannabis, lettuce, herbs, and microgreens. Given Montel's rich history in electrical equipment and steel production, Doucet was confident about Montel's significant role in the sector. This belief materialized as Montel equipped numerous indoor farms, some of which spanned over 100,000 sq. feet, with lettuce stacked up to 28 feet.

Montel's triumph lies in striking a balance between traditional farming practices and cutting-edge technology. Doucet believes that while over-reliance on technology can be detrimental, starting modestly and expanding based on market demand is the key to longevity. Hence, Montel offers a spectrum of products catering to various budgets, ensuring that clients don't overspend on non-essential equipment.

Doucet emphasizes, “Being adaptable and innovative is crucial in this dynamic industry. The requirements vary significantly from one grower to another, demanding swift adaptability.”

To ensure continuous innovation, Montel expanded its operational space by acquiring adjacent land and a building, adding 150,000 square feet for advanced machinery production. They also contemplate establishing an R&D indoor farm to better grasp growers' needs, facilitating faster product modifications or new introductions. Doucet envisions this space as a hub for limitless exploration and innovation.

Future plans include refining their product lines for enhanced adaptability and efficiency, such as seamlessly integrating irrigation pipes. Some of these innovations remain under wraps as Montel pursues patent rights.

Doucet is also enthusiastic about potential breakthroughs stemming from their various collaborations.

Talks

A standout talk at the event was by Fieldless Farms CEO, Jon Lomow . John spoke after my talk on the "global state of vertical farming" with a focus on their Cornwall, Ontario vertical farming operations.?

There is a lot I liked from John's talk but one to begin with is their move into more eco-friendly packaging. In July, Fieldless has unveiled new packaging for its popular salad mixes – an industry-first for the leafy greens category as a solution to reduce single-use plastics.

“We’re proud to be the first to package cut greens this way,” said Fieldless CEO Jon Lomow. “Our goal is to significantly reduce single-use plastics while maintaining a great product experience.”

In an innovative leap, a?pioneering cardboard-based package for cut greens was unveiled at the conference, breaking new ground in packaging solutions. Intriguingly assembled, this fresh package design includes a?detachable plastic sheet which is then hermetically sealed with an additional plastic layer featuring a?"peel and reseal" mechanism.?

Remarkably, it heralded a?sweeping reduction in plastic usage by an astonishing 90%, compared to the traditional plastic clamshells that preceded it, propelling the industry towards more sustainable practices.? An added boon to this ingenuity lies in its capacity to extend the freshness and lifespan of the greens, a?feat confirmed through rigorous testing.

Another strong point from John's talk was their choice of Cornwall which is strategically located near many populated Canadian and US cities. On top of that, Cornwall's energy is renewable, adding more to the case of sustainability of Fiedless Farms' operations.?

Above all, I liked the points made by John about the sense that vertical farming makes in Canada. As state by John "Canada has the world's largest trade deficit of leafy greens", referring the more than 75% of fresh produce the country imports. With droughts and climate change affecting supply from California, there is more demand from consumers and retailers for locally grown foods.?

Overall, I was just happy to see an honest vertical farming CEO take the stage and share their experiences and lessons learned over several years of farm development and operations. Fieldless Farms claims to be "tech agnostic" which is a smart approach for vertical farms to stay on the cutting edge of new tech and not have ridiculously expensive R&D to reinvent the wheel, as they say.?

The Future of CEA in Canada

The future of the Canadian CEA industry looks promising. As technology continues to advance and become more affordable, it's likely that more farmers will adopt CEA methods. The push for local, sustainable food sources, coupled with the challenges posed by climate change, makes CEA an attractive solution for the future of food production in Canada. One could even argue that Canada is one of the best places on earth to build a vertical farm.

Research and development will play a crucial role. Canadian universities and research institutions like Niagara College and University of Guelph are already delving deep into optimizing CEA technologies, exploring areas like plant genetics, nutrient formulations, and AI-driven farm management systems. Recently, the Homegrown Innovation Challenge funded several local CEA projects to scale up their berry-related technologies and operations.?

Furthermore, as consumers become more educated about the origins of their food and the environmental impact of their choices, the demand for locally-grown, sustainable produce is set to increase. This bodes well for the CEA industry in Canada, positioning it at the forefront of a global shift towards more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Cutting-Edge Innovation at The Canadian Greenhouse Conference?

In the realm of Controlled Environment Agriculture, Canada is certainly one of the nations leading the charge. This year's Canadian Greenhouse Conference was a testament to the country's prowess and commitment to feeding its people and the world sustainably, while also helping the environment.?As the world grapples with the dual threats of climate change and food security, Canada's CEA industry stands as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable food production in the 21st century.

Canada is a?country that plays an exemplary role in the realm of Controlled Environment Agriculture, boasting a?greenhouse industry that is both significant and innovative in nature. As attendees of the Canadian Greenhouse Conference will testify, the event provides an exceptional stage for experts to examine and discuss advancements in the field, and open dialogues on areas ripe for innovation.?The wealth of knowledge at the conference was impressive, setting an optimistic tone for the future of the industry and Canada's role in it.

Learn more about the best industry events to attend at www.agritecture.com/events