Controlled Environment Agriculture Partnerships

Fluence & LightSky Farms: A Successful Partnership in Cannabis Cultivation

Fluence and Innexo BV are collaborating to improve cannabis cultivation practices by experimenting with a new method.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Fluence’s LED lighting solutions have significantly benefited LightSky Farms.
  2. LightSky Farms specializes in advanced cannabis cultivation techniques.
  3. Michigan has become the highest-selling cannabis market in the U.S.
  4. Fluence’s lighting technology has enhanced LightSky’s plant quality and energy efficiency.
  5. The partnership emphasizes the use of data and analytics for superior cultivation.

Fluence, a global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production, has announced the success of its partnership with Michigan-based cannabis grower LightSky Farms. Founded in 2009 by wine industry veteran Shannon Walters, LightSky Farms aims to preserve original source terpenes and leverage leading technologies to cultivate superior cannabis.

Impact of Fluence’s LED Lighting Technology

Alex Gonzalez, head of product development and testing for LightSky Farms, praised the partnership, stating, “At LightSky Farms, partnering with Fluence has been a game-changer. Their innovative LED lighting technology has revolutionized how we cultivate cannabis, allowing us to unlock the full potential of each plant and deliver unparalleled quality in every harvest.” Gonzalez emphasized Fluence’s reputation for providing some of the best lights in the industry, which aligns with LightSky’s experience using their products.

Advanced Cultivation Techniques

LightSky Farms is known for its advanced growing techniques, such as phenotype hunting and selective breeding, which are used to cultivate novel cannabis strains. The company utilizes Fluence’s VYPR and RAZR-M LED light fixtures to optimize plant expression and improve energy efficiency throughout the cultivation process. These fixtures play a crucial role in enhancing plant quality and operational efficiency from seed to harvest.

Market Context and Demand

“Michigan recently surpassed California as the highest-selling cannabis market in the country,” noted Jason Matlock, PhD, horticulture service specialist at Fluence. “The incredible demand underscores the value and necessity of locally rooted, science-backed cannabis cultivators like LightSky Farms who are committed to putting only the best products in customers’ hands.”

Emphasis on Quality and Research

LightSky Farms’ commitment to achieving superior plant quality involves extensive research and testing of various lighting options. The decision to use Fluence fixtures was based on their effectiveness in growing high-quality cannabis rich in cannabinoids and desirable terpenes. David Hawley, PhD, principal scientist at Fluence, highlighted LightSky’s focus on quality and data-driven cultivation practices, stating, “LightSky Farms has emphasized quality through cutting-edge technology and best practices since their founding. Their experts lean on objective data and analytics to decipher the bigger picture—making them the ideal partners.”

Future Collaborations

Hawley also mentioned the potential for ongoing collaborations, saying, “We will continue to drive cutting-edge collaborations that allow us to help the cannabis cultivators we work with differentiate in their markets and grow smarter.” This partnership underscores the importance of combining advanced technology with rigorous scientific methods to achieve excellence in cannabis cultivation.


Fluence Bioengineering Latest News

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Fluence, a leader in energy-efficient LED lighting for commercial agriculture, has introduced the RAPTR 2 and VYPR 4 LED top light solutions. The RAPTR 2 offers up to 1400 W power, multi-channel tunable spectra, and light output up to 5050 μmol/s. The VYPR 4 features enhanced spectral options, light uniformity, and reduced energy consumption. These innovations aim to provide higher wattages, greater efficiencies, and a significant return on investment for growers.

Explores Energy Efficiency With Innexo (2024/02/05)

Fluence (Company Profile) and Innexo BV (Company Profile) are collaborating to develop an innovative approach for cannabis cultivation that eliminates the vegetative growth phase. This method has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, accelerate the growth cycle, and minimize the risk of pests and disease development. The partners aim to provide growers with evidence-based methods to optimize their operations, contributing to the advancement of cultivation technology.

Fluence and Cannabis Business Times Report Highlights LED Adoption and Yield Improvements in Cannabis Cultivation (2023/11/3)

The eighth annual report by Fluence, in collaboration with the Cannabis Business Times, shows a high rate of LED adoption among cannabis growers. 70% of growers use LEDs for propagation, vegetation, or flowering. 66% of growers reported yields over 50 grams per square foot under LED lighting, an 11% increase from 2022. Growers prioritize crop quality over yield as the key factor for using LEDs. Despite the benefits, some growers hesitate to switch to LEDs due to ROI concerns, though many are not utilizing available rebates.

Fluence Bioengineering’s Impact on Flora & Flame’s Cannabis Cultivation (2023/10/20)

Fluence, a global LED lighting provider, collaborated with Flora & Flame, a sustainable cannabis cultivator in California. Flora & Flame saw a 50% rise in production and improved quality of cannabis buds after using Fluence’s SPYDR 2p and 2x fixtures. They also use natural, chemical-free soil. Fluence connects growers with industry stakeholders and offers utility rebates, supporting sustainable growth. This partnership represents the intersection of technology, innovation, and ecological responsibility in cannabis cultivation.

Fluence & Oakfruitland: Lighting the Future of Cannabis Cultivation (2023/09/22)

Oakfruitland, a cannabis cultivator in California, recently collaborated with Fluence, a leading company in energy-efficient LED lighting for commercial crop production. Oakfruitland reported an impressive 5% surge in yield, a 5% decrease in energy consumption, and a 50% enhancement in installation productivity after switching to Fluence’s LED fixtures. Oakfruitland’s commitment to quality is evident in its investments in cultivation tactics and quality assurance procedures. Fluence’s innovative technology and expertise in horticulture have helped Oakfruitland optimize its cultivation processes and deliver unmatched products to its consumers.

Fluence’s Rebate Program Empowers Growers (2023/08/23)

Fluence is a global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production. Its remarkable rebate program, combined with its cutting-edge technology, is revolutionizing how growers optimize their energy use and resource allocation while reaping substantial financial benefits. Fluence’s award-winning rebate program has facilitated securing over $26 million in rebates and incentives for growers since 2017. With Fluence leading the charge, the future of agriculture is set to be brighter, more efficient, and undeniably more sustainable.

Unveils Next-Generation LED Lighting Solutions (2023/06/08)

Fluence participated in the GreenTech Amsterdam conference with an impressive lineup of industry experts. Attendees witnessed the capabilities of the latest VYPR product, a cutting-edge linear top light designed specifically for greenhouse crops. The new VYPR product enables growers to manipulate crop morphology and increase energy savings. It offers enhanced light distribution, higher output, and more flexible installation options.

Fluence Bioengineering Expands Research Partnership with Innexo BV (2023/05/19)

Fluence and Netherlands-based Innexo BV have expanded their research partnership to support the newly introduced Innovation Acceleration Platform (IAP). The IAP enables small innovative businesses close to the cannabis industry to research medical cannabis cultivation. Innexo will leverage Fluence’s VYPR Broad solution to conduct research trials focused on plant health, resilience, and hardiness under Fluence’s LED lights. The collaboration on research between Innexo BV and Fluence began in October 2022, initially to study the effects of under-canopy lighting versus top-lighting applications in medical cannabis plants. Fluence will remain engaged to advance cannabis research at GreenTech Amsterdam 2023.

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Fluence and Trichome collaborated to establish the efficacy of two-tiered vertical farming in urban centers. Trichome launched an urban vertical growing facility in Qiryat Gat, Israel with Fluence’s market-leading LED lighting solutions. Fluence’s customized lighting system helped overcome the obstacles posed by the limited space between crops and artificial lights in vertical farms. The result was a breakthrough in urban farming, with above-average yields, higher terpene levels, and high cannabinoid content. Fluence’s LED lighting solutions are available for purchase by licensed cultivators in territories where the cultivation of cannabis is legal.

Fluence LED Lighting Solutions Revolutionize Cannabis Industry (2023/03/31)

Fluence provides energy-efficient LED lighting solutions to cannabis cultivators worldwide, helping them achieve operational stability and cost efficiencies while reducing the impact on local power grids. The company’s LED technology VYPR series offers growers increased control over energy expenditure and a greater ability to customize light spectrum based on specific crops. Fluence’s horticultural and technical experts help partners design, tailor, and apply lighting solutions to specific facility footprints, while its in-house research and horticultural teams work closely with partners to adapt to the flexibility and control LEDs offer over environmental conditions for plant growth and operational scale. Fluence’s LED lighting solutions have helped cultivators reduce their emissions and operating expenses while providing customers with a better, more consistent product.

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Fluence, a provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for floriculture, medicinal cannabis, and food production, is supporting sustainability and operational cost efficiency amid volatile energy market conditions in Europe. Leading floriculture companies have switched to Fluence’s LED technology to increase photon output and energy efficiency and maximize their return on investment. Fluence’s RAPTR light fixture and Wireless Flex Dimming control panel offer greater flexibility and control over light intensity. In addition, Fluence’s team of horticultural experts works with partners to design lighting programs based on operation-specific crops and sustainability goals.

Fluence Bioengineering & REMY Collaboration Flourishes at Leading Israeli Cannabis Farms (2022/08/11)

Fluence and REMY are partnering to introduce lighting technology solutions to medical cannabis facilities in Israel. Green Fields, the largest medical cannabis growing facility in Israel, features a hybrid greenhouse model that uses Fluence and REMY’s high-intensity lighting system. Springs Valley Cannabis is using Fluence and REMY’s lighting solutions in its 5,000-square-meter indoor facility. Trichome, an urban vertical farm, uses Fluence’s SPYDR Series for uniform light delivery. REMY specializes in agronomic solutions and works with Fluence to advance growers’ operations.

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Fluence Bioengineering is collaborating with JEM Farms to study the effects of LED-only lighting compared to high-pressure sodium. Early results show a 10% increase in yield and a 40% reduction in energy consumption with 100% LED lighting. JEM Farms is a Canadian-based facility specializing in cucumber, grape, and beefsteak tomatoes. They conduct research on advanced cultivation practices that optimize their facilities. The farm is using Fluence’s VYPR 3p top light to grow crops in their LED-only acre. Fluence’s broad-spectrum lights are driving higher yields and boosting crop quality.

Image provided by Fluence

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