Key Takeaways
- Winter Farm, based in Quebec, raised $46 million to build one of the world’s largest vertical farms for strawberry production.
- The funding round saw contributions from the Quebec Government, Investissement Québec, and key private and institutional investors.
- Expansion includes six 600 m² vertical farms, complementing two existing facilities at the Vaudreuil site.
- The site will produce nearly one million kilograms of strawberries annually, using 20-25 times less land and emitting minimal greenhouse gases.
- The project aims to replace 10% of Canada’s strawberry imports with sustainable, locally grown produce.
Winter Farm’s Expansion Plans
Winter Farm, a pioneer in vertical strawberry farming, has set an ambitious goal: to redefine local agriculture in Canada. The $46 million funding will enable the company to expand its production capabilities significantly.
Details of the Expansion
- Vaudreuil Site: Expected to become a technological showcase for vertical farming, producing 1M kg of Fraise d’hiver strawberries annually.
- New Facilities: Six additional vertical farms, each 600 m², will be integrated alongside two existing farms.
- Environmental Impact:
- Requires 20–25 times less space compared to traditional farming.
- Operates with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Funding Partners
The funding round includes contributions from the Quebec Government, Investissement Québec, and investors such as:
- Desjardins
- Farm Credit Canada
- Financière Agricole du Québec
- Capital Financière Agricole Inc.
- St-Denis Family (Private Partner)
Leadership Insights
Alain Brisebois, Winter Farm’s President and CEO, emphasized the transformative potential of this project:
“The additional partner represents a vote of confidence in the industrial potential of Winter Farm and our capacity to provide fruit of the highest caliber. A more competitive and sustainable local agriculture that can compete with import markets must be developed via innovation.”
Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, highlighted the significance of Winter Farm’s efforts:
“Winter Farm’s vertical farming and smart lighting concepts are innovative and profitable for Quebec. In addition to promoting local production and encouraging the purchase of local Quebec products, they contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural sector.”
Sustainability at the Core of Winter Farms
Winter Farm’s approach aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable and locally sourced produce:
- Land Efficiency: Reduces dependency on large tracts of farmland.
- Climate Action: Aims to significantly cut Canada’s reliance on imported strawberries while minimizing carbon footprints.
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