Amidst the immense expanse of Northwestern Ontario, where food security challenges loom large, AgriTech North is emerging as a beacon of innovation. This innovative social enterprise, with its main office located in Dryden, Ontario, is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector by utilizing technological advancements to consistently produce nutritious, high-quality produce throughout the year. AgriTech North, driven by an unwavering dedication to mitigating food insecurity and advancing sustainability, is positioned to bring about an unprecedented shift in the agricultural domain.
Fostering Food Security in Indigenous Communities of the Far North
Central to the overarching objective of AgriTech North is a deep-seated dedication to promoting food security among the Indigenous communities of the Far North where food costs in small Northern communities are typically between two to eight times higher than in urban centres. When a population is thinly spread across a region, the costs to establish a distribution network are extraordinary. Access to fresh produce is even more challenging for communities without road access, requiring people to eat what’s available out of necessity rather than choice. AgriTech North’s social mission is to reduce the costs associated with fresh produce by a remarkable 25%.
Beyond farming, AgriTech North operates as a Research and Development centre and living lab, recognizing that innovative technologies are necessary to enhance sustainability, food security and affordability in Canada’s northern and remote communities. Through the implementation of cutting-edge innovations in their vertical farming systems, the company seek sustainability solutions not only internally but for other communities with a focus on achieving year-round growing that has net-zero emissions and is energy-independent. This revolutionary strategy not only tackles the urgent matter of food affordability but also enables communities to assume authority over their food provision, assuring the availability of nourishing components that are vital for overall health and wellness.
Advocating for Sustainability Through Technological Innovation
AgriTech North is dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly farming practices that reduce resource consumption and minimize ecological impact, capitalizing on the space gained by growing vertically without using soil whilst achieving impressive efficiency gains, using significantly less water and nutrients compared to traditional farming methods. In addition, AgriTech North prioritizes the use of no chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides which not only promotes healthier produce but also contributes to a more sustainable environment through their use of combined aeroponic and hydroponic methodologies that results in a threefold increase in produce compared to traditional farming practices. This approach also minimizes land use and helps preserve natural habitats.
Embracing Social Enterprise for Positive Impact
AgriTech North, a certified Beneficial-Corp (B-Corp), embodies the principles of social entrepreneurship, utilizing business as a positive force. Committed to the idea that making a profit and making a positive impact can go hand in hand, the company is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Northwestern Ontario while running its business operations. AgriTech North showcases the incredible impact of socially conscious business models through reinvesting profits into community initiatives, supporting local employment, and collaborating with Indigenous communities. With its unique approach to agriculture, the enterprise not only creates economic opportunities but also promotes social cohesion and resilience, empowering communities to flourish in challenging times.
In a time where the importance of food security and environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized, AgriTech North emerges as a promising force, providing a forward-thinking model for the future of agriculture. Partnership with OMAFRA’s Grassroots Growth Initiative resulted in a customized portable classroom grow system complete with user-friendly automations for lights, water and nutrient management that brings hands on learning about sustainable agriculture into the classroom. As a pilot project 10 units were manufactured to trial in local schools.
With a strong dedication to tackling food insecurity, promoting sustainability, and embracing social entrepreneurship, the enterprise exemplifies the power of technology-driven innovation to bring about positive change.
Agri Food Canada has recently approved AgriTech North’s application to the Agriculture Clean Technology (ACT) Program – Research and Innovation Stream to develop a thermal management system designed to make green energy more efficient and sustainable, enabling year-round production of a variety of crops, by combining established technologies to work in collaboration to yield a net-zero energy -independent system. The $2-million project scope is funded by ACT of up to more than $1.18 million (announced on March 7). Once the concept is demonstrated, AgriTech North plans to work with Indigenous governments to help them establish food sovereignty in their own communities so that other regions can implement the same successes. With its expanding reach and impact across Northwestern Ontario, AgriTech North brings forth a new era for agriculture. Here, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility come together to shape a brighter and more equitable future for everyone involved.
Learn more about AgriTech North’s innovative ideas and projects by visiting their website here.
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