Sep 19, 2018

World’s First On-Site Vertical Farming Service Launched By Jasmina Dolce

Earlier this month, Freight Farms, a leading innovator in smart hydroponic software and containerized growing environments, announced the launch of Grown, an on-site vertical farming service. With Grown, Freight Farms will not only install its signature hydroponic farm — the Leafy Green Machine — but staff a designated farmer to operate, monitor and maintain the farm completely.

This new service eliminates the need to train staff for farming, and Grown can immediately integrate with any food service operation or produce supply chain. Clients are able to choose what they would like to grow and how that produce will be distributed within their organization. This ease of integration makes Grown ideal for corporations, universities, residential communities, hospitals and other clients.

“Our mission with Grown is to provide a solution to institutions that see the immense value of local produce, and would rethink their sourcing methods if challenges like personnel and facilities management were reduced,” said Brad McNamara, CEO and co-founder of Freight Farms.

Freight Farms is currently accepting new Grown clients in New England, with plans to roll out nationwide in 2019.

To learn more, visit www.freightfarms.com/grown.

— Jasmina

$16M Greenhouse Coming to Pennsylvania

Plans for a hydroponic vertical greenhouse in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are moving ahead, and the facility — budgeted at $16 to $17 million — could start operating in the fall of 2020. The greenhouse would be built on a narrow strip of Lancaster Parking Authority property along the facade of the Prince Street Garage. In 2016, the parking authority board gave the go-ahead for a feasibility study. Last month, after a follow-up presentation, the board agreed to begin contract negotiations for use of the tract. The layout will be almost identical to Vertical Harvest of Jackson Hole, a 13,500-square-foot structure adjoining a parking garage in Jackson, Wyoming. Lancaster would be Vertical Harvest’s second location.

VividGro Introduces GroNet

VividGro announced the release of its intelligent farm platform, GroNet, which enables growers to optimize crop yields and profitability. GroNet uses sophisticated diagnostic and monitoring technology in a user-friendly format to reduce overhead and maximize crop health. In the GroNet solution, hardware sensors and photometric equipment continuously measure the environmental conditions that are critical for growers to optimize yields. The platform’s sensors and software seamlessly interface with any compatible hardware, allowing for easy installation and integration. Go to www.vividgro.com for more information.

Hawthorne Hydroponics Issues Recall on Humidifier

Hawthorne Hydroponics has issued a recall on its Ideal-Air 175-pint industrial grade humidifiers. The humidifiers can overheat while in use, posing fire and shock hazards. The firm is aware of five incidents of the humidifier overheating; no injuries have been reported. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled humidifiers and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The recalled humidifiers are black and have the “Ideal-Air” logo printed near the bottom.