iGrow News Controlled Environment Agriculture Sollum Technologies Partners With Foliaj Farms For Indoor Farming Operation in Indiana
Controlled Environment Agriculture

Sollum Technologies Partners With Foliaj Farms For Indoor Farming Operation in Indiana

Foliaj Farms selects Sollum Technologies' dynamic LED lighting solution for a new indoor farming facility in Muncie, Indiana. Agriculture News, AgTech News, AgTech.
Image provided by Sollum Technologies.

Key Points:

  • Foliaj Farms, led by first-time grower Bill Reece, selects Sollum Technologies’ dynamic LED lighting solution for a new indoor farming facility in Muncie, Indiana.
  • The facility will grow leafy greens, such as lettuce, kale, and herbs, in a controlled environment using Sollum’s advanced lighting.
  • Sollum’s SUN as a Service® (SUNaaS®) platform offers customizable light recipes and multi-zoning capabilities for crop diversification.
  • Bill Reece’s goal is to address limited access to fresh produce in the local community by providing healthier, pesticide-free food options.
  • Sollum’s technology supports Foliaj’s production goals while promoting efficiency and sustainability.

Foliaj Farms Adopts Sollum’s Dynamic LED Lighting

Foliaj Farms, a new indoor farming venture in Muncie, Indiana, is utilizing Sollum Technologies (Company Profile)’ dynamic LED lighting solution to power its operations. Under the leadership of first-time grower Bill Reece, the large-scale warehouse will cultivate leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and herbs in a fully controlled environment optimized by Sollum’s innovative lighting system.

“We’re excited to see Foliaj Farms adopt our solution,” said Matthew Bonavita, Sollum’s Vice President of Sales. “Bill’s commitment to growing a variety of crops in an efficient and sustainable way aligns perfectly with what our dynamic lighting offers. We’re confident that Sollum’s technology will help Foliaj Farms meet its production goals, both now and in the future.”

Key Features of Sollum’s Lighting Solution

Customizable Light Recipes with SUNaaS®

A major factor in Foliaj Farms’ choice was Sollum’s SUN as a Service® (SUNaaS®) platform, which allows for multi-zoning capabilities. This feature enables custom dynamic light recipes for each production zone, tailoring the spectrum and intensity of light to the specific needs of different crops. Bill Reece sees this flexibility as essential for his plans to diversify production in the future.

Efficiency and Sustainability

Sollum’s dynamic lighting solution is designed to enhance plant growth while optimizing energy use, supporting Foliaj Farms’ focus on sustainable agriculture.

Commitment to Local Community

Beyond farming, Foliaj Farms has a broader mission: to provide the Muncie community with healthier and more affordable food options. “This project isn’t just about farming,” said Reece. “It’s about making healthy, pesticide-free produce accessible to people who need it the most.”

With limited access to fresh produce in the area, many residents rely on fast food due to a lack of alternatives. By leveraging Sollum’s technology, Reece aims to ensure that his crops meet high standards of quality and nutrition, supporting this mission.

Sollum Technologies Latest News

Sollum Technologies Names Jon Adams as VP of Sales to Lead Canadian Market Expansion (2024/11/13)

Sollum Technologies has appointed Jon Adams as its new Vice President of Sales for Canada, effective immediately. With over 15 years of experience in the greenhouse industry, Adams will be based in St Catharines, Ontario, leading Sollum’s Canadian sales strategy. He will be based in a key agricultural region and will lead Sollum’s commitment to supporting Canadian growers through its dynamic LED lighting solutions. Adams, who previously served as Vice President at Havecon, has a hands-on approach and a focus on sustainability.

Partners with Vertiberry For New Facility in L’Assomption to Pioneer Indoor Strawberry Production (2024/11/06)

Vertiberry, a leader in indoor strawberry farming, has chosen Sollum Technologies’ dynamic LED lighting system for its new facility in L’Assomption, Québec. The facility will focus on strawberry propagation and year-round production, aiming to provide high-quality, pesticide-free strawberries in a fully controlled environment. Sollum Technologies’ LED lighting system offers precision control over light intensity, spectrum, and timing, ensuring higher yields and energy efficiency. Vertiberry’s mission is to produce strawberries locally and sustainably, reducing reliance on imports and minimizing food miles. The partnership aligns with Vertiberry’s efforts to offer fresh, locally grown strawberries to the Québec market year-round.

Pack River Farm Chooses Sollum’s LED Lighting Solution for Enhanced Production (2024/10/23)

Pack River Farm, a certified organic farm in Northern Idaho, has partnered with Sollum Technologies to implement their LED lighting solution. The farm, known for its focus on sustainable agriculture and soil health, produces various crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and microgreens. Sollum’s zone-specific horticultural lighting solution allows the farm to customize lighting conditions for each crop type, ensuring optimal light for growth. The decision to adopt Sollum’s LED lighting solution was influenced by its advanced zone control features and the support provided by Sollum’s agronomy team. The partnership reflects Pack River Farm’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its mission to provide high-quality organic produce to the local community.

Welcomes Jacqueline Heard to Board of Directors (2024/09/25)

Sollum Technologies has appointed Jacqueline Heard, Ph.D., MBA, as its new board of directors. Heard, currently CEO of Enko Chem, is known for her expertise in agribusiness and sustainable practices. She has successfully identified and commercialized new technologies in the agri-food sector and has raised $150 million from investors. Heard is recognized as an Innovator in Forbes’ “50 over 50” feature and has built a team of 50 to tackle a $70 billion core market in crop protection and pest management. Sollum Technologies’ President and CEO, Louis Brun, expressed enthusiasm for Heard’s appointment, stating that her strategic insights and leadership will help the company pursue new opportunities in the dynamic LED lighting industry.

Marks 10th Anniversary with New LED Lighting Products and Services for Greenhouses (2024/09/18)

Sollum Technologies is launching a new range of products and services for its 10th anniversary, including the SF-E2 fixture, designed to maximize energy efficiency and plant growth. The fixtures come in three wattages (400, 800, and 1040 watts) to accommodate different greenhouse sizes and configurations. Sollum’s SUNaaS platform offers enhanced control and flexibility, allowing growers to choose functionalities that best match their needs. The platform integrates with leading climate control and plant visualization systems, simplifying plant growth management and increasing lighting efficiency. Sollum also offers 24/7 customer support. Growers can visit Sollum at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference to learn more.

Sollum Technologies and CRC Collaborate to Strengthen Cannabis Cultivation Research (2024/08/27)

Sollum Technologies has partnered with the Cannabis Research Coalition (CRC) to expand research capabilities in the cannabis cultivation sector. The partnership includes a 1900 sq. ft. research space with 16 R&D chambers equipped with Sollum’s dynamic LED lighting system. The system includes AI-powered fixtures and Sollum’s SUN as a Service platform, which simulates natural sunlight cycles for optimal cannabis growth conditions. The partnership aims to provide valuable insights for sustainable and efficient cannabis cultivation.

Sollum Technologies and Damatex Partner to Enhance Greenhouse Management (2024/05/23)

Sollum Technologies has partnered with Damatex to revolutionize greenhouse management. This collaboration integrates Sollum’s SUNaaS cloud platform with Damatex’s climate control systems, aiming to streamline operations and enhance system capabilities. The partnership is expected to offer more efficient solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Controlled Environment Agriculture industry.

Overview of Dynamic LED Lighting in Strawberry Production (2024/05/01)

The strawberry industry is turning to dynamic LED lighting to boost crop yields. Sollum Technologies’ innovative lighting solutions are setting new standards in greenhouse strawberry production with substantial improvements in yield and energy efficiency. Growers have seen yield increases between 43-60%, and some have already exceeded previous season’s total yields with strategic modifications in light intensity and spectrum. Dynamic LED lighting also allows for customization for each cultivar and has shown a 27-30% yield increase compared to HPS systems.

Enhances Its SUNaaS® Cloud Platform (2024/04/17)

Sollum Technologies has announced updates to its SUNaaS® cloud platform, providing greenhouse operators with better control over their lighting environments. The enhancements include power management, load shedding mitigation, and enhanced lighting controls with adjustable PPFD and DLI settings. The platform also features a recipe manager that allows growers to customize light recipes and receive expert assistance from Sollum’s 24/7 Smart Support team. These updates reflect Sollum’s commitment to innovation and user-focused design.

South Essex Fabricating’s Center for Horticultural Innovation Undertakes Strawberry Lighting Trials (2024/04/04)

The Center for Horticultural Innovation is collaborating with Sollum Technologies to explore the potential benefits of dynamic lighting in greenhouse environments. They are conducting research trials to assess the impact of Sollum®’s dynamic smart LED lighting technology on strawberry production. The aim of this research is to identify lighting strategies that could lead to higher yields, better crop quality, and more efficient energy use in greenhouse settings, particularly for crops like strawberries that may benefit from tailored lighting solutions.

Partners With One Floral Group (2024/03/20)

One Floral Group, a major flower propagator in Canada, has joined forces with Sollum Technologies to explore the potential of fully dynamic LED grow lights in enhancing the cultivation of flowers and vegetables. This trial, situated in Leamington, Ontario, aims to introduce new levels of efficiency and product variety into their operations. Sollum Technologies offers a unique, fully dynamic LED lighting solution that is adaptable for both seasoned LED grow light users and newcomers transitioning from traditional HPS systems. The SUNaaS platform provides a comprehensive support system for the trial, including custom recipe development and multi-zone light management tools.

Dynamic Lighting Revolutionizes Eggplant Cultivation in Greenhouses (2024/03/14)

Dynamic lighting in greenhouse eggplant cultivation boosts fruit quality and yield, emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability, and offers adjustable lighting strategies for year-round production. Specific lighting adjustments cater to the diverse needs of each eggplant variety, optimizing growth conditions and potentially enhancing nutritional quality.

Partners with Three Square Food Bank (2024/03/06)

Sollum Technologies (profile) partnered with Three Square, Southern Nevada’s food bank, to showcase its commitment to societal well-being and sustainable development at Indoor Ag-Con. Sollum pledged to donate $100 to Three Square for every 10-minute demonstration of its SUN as a Service® platform, with the aim to provide approximately 9,000 meals to those in need. Sollum’s unique solution offers flexibility and control to greenhouse operators, enhancing plant growth and productivity. Through this initiative, Sollum hopes to pave the way toward a hunger-free community in Southern Nevada.

Enhances North American Operations (2024/02/29)

Sollum Technologies is excited to announce a significant step forward in its strategic growth by expanding its sales team in North America. This move addresses the burgeoning demand for supplemental lighting in controlled environment agriculture. The company has added three key figures to its team:

  • Mauricio Manotas, Director of Global Business Development, brings two decades of experience in the horticulture industry, with a notable tenure as Chief Revenue Officer at ecoation.
  • Matthew Bonavita, Senior Director of Sales for the US market, offers extensive leadership and industry knowledge from his time at Ludvig Svensson.
  • Tim Gilpatrick, Sales Manager for the US market, merges his horticultural research background with hydroponic farming operations experience to drive agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Kassim Tremblay has been appointed VP of Global Sales Operations, continuing his significant contributions to Sollum’s growth since 2020. Nick Occhionero will continue as Senior Sales Director for the Canadian market, providing invaluable strategies and insights.

Image courtesy of Sollum Technologies

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