Quality output is the goal of Vision Greens, a vertical farm in Welland’s industrial park on Enterprise Drive near Highway 140. Vertical farming is a process of growing crops indoors in a stacked formation, and the facility began growing and harvesting in early 2021. First opening with the construction of a 19,375 square foot building, they are in the process of expanding their footprint with a 10,000 square foot addition which will allow the production of an estimated 227,000 kilograms of clean and sustainable produce annually.
Holding the patented rights to proprietary technology and processes it uses, Vision Greens leverages a specialized light-spectrum system to expedite the growing cycle, heighten produce quality, and offer consumers a highly affordable line up of leafy greens. Their process also allows the company to grow products that are non-GMO (genetically modified organism), pesticide free, and use a fraction of the water and land needed for traditional farming.
The team of local employees work in a highly automated, controlled growing environment that is free of concerns about pests and changes in climate. This allows for optimal growing conditions year-round, and the ability for the company to employ people beyond the traditional seasonal farming cycle.
Welland was chosen as the place to set up the business because of its proximity to the areas where products are distributed. Visions Greens products are regularly shipped on the same day they are harvested and can be found in many stores across Niagara and the Greater Toronto Area such as Metro, Food Basics, Goodness Me, and Commisso’s.
Read more at myniagaraonline.com