Growing food is a process that reaches far beyond growers only. Although they are, of course, vital to the process, many other things are instrumental too. AgriFORCE is a Canadian agtech company that recognized that aim to transform agriculture in various sectors, from growing to the production process.
A different approach
“Farming has evolved through three fundamental approaches and environments: outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor. We introduce a fourth approach, which is informed by science, with the capability to leverage the latest advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) to Artificial Intelligence (AI). We have created an integrated holistic strategy and practice that brings together crops, operations, facilities, systems, and environment, and we believe that is the most effective approach available,” the AgriFORCE team states.
AgriFORCE is focused on developing, acquiring, and integrating agriculture solutions and intellectual property (IP) that advance sustainable crop cultivation and processing across multiple verticals.
"Our foundational IP was designed so that we can operate in virtually any climate and under all weather conditions. The ultimate outcome that we are committed to achieving is more nutritious, delicious-tasting, plant-based food and more natural and effective medicines.”
Optimized indoor microclimate
In the AgriFORCE facility design, plenty of elements have been considered to create an optimized indoor microclimate. The company can create energy-efficient precision ecosystems in harsh environments by utilizing a number of advanced technologies, such as the transparency of the building that allows natural sunlight to enter the facility and reach the plants, a system that regulates temperatures using the transparent building, sunlight, and organic foam-based clouds, a closed-loop air-circulation system, and a sealed microclimate which keeps pests out.
By creating such an environment, the plants can grow in optimal conditions. “Thanks to this design, we see that crop yields increase, and those yields are of consistently high quality. Furthermore, because of such a regulated system, the design allows for massive savings when it comes to natural resources such as water and energy, which not only lowers costs but decreases a company’s environmental impact also.”
Plants for all, sustainability for all
That environmental impact is something that AgriFORCE finds extremely important, and something they implement in every aspect of their design. Working towards healthy plants that are as near to their full genetic potential as they can be is their priority.
"We believe that everyone should have access to nutritious, delicious, and fresh food and clean, green supplements and medicine. As luck would have it, we know exactly how to make that happen, and we are dedicated to doing so in the most sustainable way possible.”
Indeed, sustainability is key at AgriFORCE, not only because governments are increasingly implementing regulations that require businesses to become greener, but also because consumers are demanding it. One of the measures they have taken to ensure they work as sustainably as possible is their fully sealed facility that blocks virtually all toxins and pathogens, and thus eliminates the need for pesticides. Of course, reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides is vital for food, but especially for crops used to make pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Furthermore, the facility is also designed to use fewer natural resources: AgriFORCE's crops are not grown under artificial light solely. They also make use of natural sunlight, supported by supplemental grow lighting to maximize yields.
"In this way, we reduce the amount of energy we use, and we also use less water and fertilizer than other indoor farms do. In addition to the savings in water, power, and fertilizer, our proprietary system is created to reduce labor needs also. This results in what we believe is a much smaller environmental footprint than other indoor farming facilities.”
For more information:
AgriFORCE
www.agriforcegs.com