Innovation tools for indoor farming

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Innovative forms of indoor farming, including vertical farming using zip towers, are becoming increasing important in regions such as Northern Ontario, where the growing season is shorter yet the demand for fresh, organic, nutrient-dense locally-grown produce available year-round is increasing. Nonetheless, while vertical farming is becoming increasingly popular as a means for both the personal and commercial provision of food, in both urban and rural centres, there is a lack of specialized equipment for zip tower technologies, leading to decreased productivity when growing and harvesting produce. The objective of this new partnership between Collège Boréal and Borealis Fresh Farms Inc. is therefore to 1) design and produce a prototype tool to remove used seed plugs from the zip tower after harvesting; and 2) to create wireless humidity monitoring and remote data collection systems to be installed in the zip towers. These tools will lead to greater efficiency and enhanced productivity at Borealis Fresh Farms Inc.