By Brian Poel, originally published in LightHort New technologies in controlled-environment agriculture allow growers to manage crop production in ways like never before. Dr. Xiuming Hao and his team at the Harrow Research and Development Centre (HRDC) are guiding Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers to implement these technologies in their production systems. Their mission is to “develop and transfer new technologies for the production and protection of greenhouse vegetables and ornamentals.” With federal, provincial, and industry support, mainly the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, their research prioritizes growers’ problems and needs. Dr. Xiuming Hao and his staff at the Harrow Research and…
Author: urbanagnews
March 20, 2017, SCOTTSDALE, Az. – Pinewell Capital, a private equity investment firm, announced today they have completed the acquisition of Chandler, Arizona based Fogco Systems Inc. Fogco is an industry leading manufacturer of high pressure fog systems used in a variety of climate control applications for a worldwide customer base. Manufacturing and distribution will remain under the Fogco name and management will remain onboard to realize Fogco’s promise. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. “We are eager to leverage our 29 years of industry experience combined with the committed resources and support of Pinewell Capital,” said Gary Wintering,…
As of today Urban Crops will change its name to Urban Crop Solutions, highlighting the core of the company being a global turnkey solution provider in automated plant growth infrastructure and plant growth recipes. In alignment with the adoption of the new name Urban Crop Solutions has also launched a new website: urbancropsolutions.com. “We are very excited about the introduction of our new company name and believe that the name Urban Crop Solutions allows us to better represent our business model, being an independent turnkey vertical farming solution provider with an extensive after sales model”, explains Maarten Vandecruys, co-founder and…
Leafy green and herb greenhouse growers should verify that edible crops are on the insecticide labels when treating for insect pests. Use this handy ‘cheat sheet’ to determine which products are recommended for certain insect pests and are labeled for leafy green and herb crops. An increasing number of ornamental plant producers are venturing into growing potted herbs or are harvesting leafy greens and herbs in their greenhouses. Cut and potted lettuce, mint, and basil are becoming quite popular for greenhouse producers (Fig. 1 and 2). Many other greenhouse growers are growing leafy green or herb transplants for consumers, or…
Helping growers learn about the latest advancements in supplemental, photoperiodic, and sole-source horticulture lighting and making the best decisions for their plants and business. Learn from Michigan State University (MSU) leading lighting experts and researchers Erik Runkle, PhD, and Roberto Lopez, PhD, as they showcase their current studies and students in the MSU Research Greenhouses and then breakdown their wealth of knowledge and research into business-relatable terms. Get educated then make a better informed and smarter decision on how to invest in greenhouse and indoor lighting technologies for vertical farms, tissue culture facilities, hydroponics, etc. Click below for presentation…
LOS ANGELES – Mar. 7, 2017 — Slated for Friday, March 17, 2017, the ‘Future of Food – Community Development Field Trip’ will visit a series of innovative food and farming ventures that have emerged to increase food access, reduce food waste, create jobs, advocate for food justice, and improve health and nutrition across Southern California. The tour is the second in a series of Seedstock ‘Future of Food’ field trips that was recently launched to facilitate the exploration of food systems innovations that are generating economic and community capital. “Food related endeavors that focus on community development and engagement — from community gardens…
Students meet future employers in virtual jungle To match inspiring horticultural entrepreneurs online with top talent, is what this new Jungle Talks concept is all about: online masterclasses and so-called ‘pitch webinars’ straight from the Costa Rican jungle. Masterclasses and pitch webinars Each month a horticultural entrepreneur describes his internationalization strategy and shares his thoughts on new opportunities for growth. Talent is needed to turn these opportunities into reality. And that is why this entrepreneur will invite, during the masterclass, international students to digitally apply and to become part of this future. Agenda On March 16, 20.45 hrs CET, Stijn…
The Crops Subcommittee of the National Organic Standards Board voted to release in time for the Spring 2017 NOSB meeting a discussion document for organic stakeholders to review. Based on the meeting notes that have been released to date, it is expected that the discussion document will establish the foundations for why hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic production systems should not be allowed for certification under the US Department of Agriculture National Organic Program. It appears that the new members to the NOSB requested that only a discussion document be released rather than a formal recommendation to allow the new NOSB…
Organic crops grown in a greenhouse using hydroponics Learn how one growers produces organically certified leafy greens and culinary herbs in a Colorado greenhouse using hydroponic methods.
Non-Profits changing the way we eat Feb. 26, 2017 Non-profits, like Grow North Texas, are trying to create awareness on what we are eating and where it is coming from. About Green Sense Radio: Founding Farmer Robert Colangelo is also founder and host of the nationally syndicated Green Sense Radio show. Recorded live on the Farm, Green Sense Radio features entrepreneurs, innovators, academics, and policy makers who are making the world a better place. The program is heard coast to coast every week. Send us an email if you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities so your sustainable message can reach our millions of…
Author of “Chef’s Can Save the World” and owner of Nashville’s premier sandwich shop Sloco, Jeremy Barlow shares his thoughts on the future of local and sustainable food production in Nashville Tennessee. Video created and produced by Urban Ag News. If you are interested in having a video created about your organization please contact us directly.
Labs@LightCity, Light City’s daytime innovation conferences, bring together national and local thought leaders and engaged, inspired citizens from diverse backgrounds to explore cutting edge concepts for sparking social change. By creating a weeklong community at the intersections of innovation, humanity, culture and technology we shine a light on the brilliant ideas that will shape our collective future. New for 2017: The Light City conferences debut the new name Labs@LightCity to better reflect the new format in which sessions will be more interactive, hands-on and include more participatory two-way interactive dialogue. New Labs: Labs@LightCity has added education and food as two…
Greener Roots Farm founder Jeffrey Orkin gets excited about being able to operate a farm “that has the potential to make money and create jobs, while educating the community about how this can be done, and what it does for our food system.” Based in Nashville, Tenn., Greener Roots Farm is working to have a major impact on the local food market. The company has incorporated an innovative and sustainable approach to producing leafy greens and culinary herbs. Video created and produced by Urban Ag News. If you are interested in having a video created about your organization please contact us…
Modular Farms was founded in 2015 and is a Canadian designer and manufacturer of modular, turnkey containerized farming systems. The farm modules, which retail from $16,000 to $165,000 CDN, are currently being manufactured in Brampton, Ontario and begin shipping to customers nationwide in February. The Primary farming module will also make its first cross-border trip in May, where it will be formally debuted to the world at the 5th annual Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas. The Modular Farm itself is a turnkey indoor farming system that utilizes a combination of industry leading hydroponic growing technologies, courtesy of ZipGrow, and high…