Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world. As I stumbled upon a food security project that addresses greenhouse environmental impact, I delved deeper into its workings.
This week’s highlights include a Canadian company claiming to have developed an eco-friendly greenhouse, insights into escalating flood costs, and tips for coping with Canada’s prolonged and severe allergy seasons.
Benjamin Feagin Jr., hailing from a small Ontario town, witnessed firsthand the challenges of food affordability and limited growing seasons affecting dietary choices. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he, along with his partner Fabian Velez, established AgriTech North. Initially a local food security initiative, the company has patented greenhouse technology aiming for a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to support communities.
AgriTech North’s innovative plastic greenhouse envelope slashes winter heat loss by over 70% compared to conventional setups. Operating in Dryden with a 10,000-square-foot test unit, the initiative not only serves as a research hub but also bolsters 100 local food businesses and supplies fresh produce to over 1,000 families. With an array of lettuce varieties, greens, herbs, and fruiting crops, their vision is to make affordable, fresh produce accessible to all, especially Indigenous communities battling food insecurity.
Unlike traditional greenhouses relying on outdoor venting for temperature control, AgriTech North’s system integrates efficient climate control mechanisms such as heating, air conditioning, and dehumidification. Designed to withstand harsh winter conditions, including snow loads, the technology prioritizes energy efficiency without the need for refrigerants, allowing for easy maintenance and repair.
Despite the promising features of AgriTech North’s technology, funding remains a significant roadblock for commercialization. Emphasizing the importance of local production, Feagin aims to keep operations within Canada. The company is currently accepting pre-orders and exploring avenues for additional funding to propel their impactful work forward.
As we navigate through evolving environmental challenges, initiatives like AgriTech North offer a glimpse of hope towards a more sustainable future.
If you have any questions, criticisms, or story tips, feel free to reach out to whatonearth@cbc.ca.
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for our weekly updates on environmental trends and solutions.
Editors: Emily Chung and Hannah Hoag | Logo design: Sködt McNalty