A Canadian-built indoor farm is now feeding refugees and local families in Rîșcova, Moldova—offering a sustainable food solution amid war and food insecurity. The initiative, led by Just Vertical and GlobalMedic, is the first time hydroponic technology has been deployed for humanitarian aid in the region.
Located in Eastern Europe, Moldova borders Ukraine and Romania. While historically an agricultural nation, the country faces harsh winters, economic constraints, security concerns, and logistical disruptions that make the supply of fresh produce almost impossible throughout the year. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, over 1.9 million Ukrainian citizens have passed through Moldova, with around 127,000 currently residing in the country. This influx has significantly increased the demand for food and resources in stressed and vulnerable communities. This project provides an immediate food security solution while demonstrating how indoor farming technology can be applied in long-term humanitarian efforts.
Capturing the impact in a documentary
A short documentary chronicling the project—"Moldova Feeds," directed by Just Vertical's Conner Tidd and Christopher Di Grazia—was recently awarded Best Short Documentary – Advertising at the 2025 Niagara Canada International Film Festival. The film features powerful visuals and first-person accounts of the farm's development, community impact, and refugee support. It was edited by Andrew King, a Toronto-based video editor with more than 15 years of experience in reality and non-scripted television in both Australia and North America. King's past work earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination.
"Conflict, climate, and economic instability have made it increasingly difficult for communities to access fresh food," said Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical. "By implementing hydroponic technology in Moldova, we're giving people the tools to grow their own food—helping to create long-term stability in an unpredictable world."
"Food insecurity isn't just about access—it's about control," said Rahul Singh, executive director of GlobalMedic. "In Moldova, families who fled the war in Ukraine are trying to rebuild their lives while local communities face the strain of supporting them. This project ensures that refugees and their hosts have a sustainable, local food source, reducing dependence on unstable supply chains and foreign aid."
For more information:
Just Vertical
https://justvertical.com/