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The Start of Living Greens Farms
Around the world, usable farm space is shrinking. Population growth, climate change, and natural disasters are shrinking the amount of usable farm land and currently about 80% of that land is already in use. We need better, more efficient, more sustainable, and safer ways to grow food as population levels steadily grow and are expected to hit about 10 billion by 2050. Some estimates show the world will need at least 70% more food by that point. Much of the worlds farmland, is becoming depleted of nutrients and are no longer usable, or yield less fresh produce. All the while, resources like water are continuing to decrease. Growers are looking for ways to help address these problems to keep the world fed, and we believe we have the solution in aeroponic indoor vertical farming.
This is where Living Greens Farm began. The goal to build a sustainable, next generation farm using aeroponic technology started as a simple experiment then grew into what we are today. A few investors and a farm site in the countryside of Minnesota, the experiment continued to show promise and expanded. At present, our farm is 60,000 square feet, making it the largest vertical-plane, indoor aeroponic farm in the world.
Why living greens farm?
Recent years have seen a shift in the marketplace. A focus on healthy living, combined with the desire to buy local, created a niche for which urban growers were being called.
- Locally Grown. Over 90% of lettuce is grown in California and Arizona. We grow our greens closer to home to keep the food fresher for up to two weeks longer.
- Reduced Time to Store. On average, it takes 5 to 10 days for produce grown on the West Coast to be harvested and reach the grocery shelf. We deliver fresh produce within 6 to 8 hours of harvest.
- No Pests. As the farm itself is housed securely indoors, there is no exposure to bugs or wildlife that might reduce the quality of the crops. There is no need for harmful pesticides, ensuring higher food safety standards.
- 95% Less Water. Our automated watering system ensures plants receive the perfect balance of nutrients and water that they need. This reduces enormous waste.
- No Chemicals. With control over the whole process, we can supplement with the right essential nutrients at the right time. The system directs the nutrients directly to the root zone of the plants and we can avoid chemicals that may affect the safety of our vegetables. By providing the essential nutrients and environmental support, we’re able to grow healthier greens year-round.
The Evolution of Aeroponic Farming
Improving the Technology
Here at Living Greens Farm, we’re always looking for ways to improve. We are currently on the 9th generation grow system: a sleek A-frame design with an integrated airflow system and mounted lights, allowing it to be independent of the building itself. Each A-frame is made up of easily-moveable boards, optimized to the precise angle and number of holes to allow for perfect plant development. An automated, moving mister ensures that the plant is given exactly what is needed at that time to maximize their growth potential. These patented designs have helped push the boundaries of what aeroponic farming can do.
Can it Scale?
Most horizontal indoor farming requires an excess of vertical space. The first few levels are able to be harvested by hand, but higher than that and equipment with a longer reach is needed. Living Greens Farm’s model for aeroponic farming turns the tall, elevated design on its side, addressing the ongoing issue of space. This concept helps to maximize the infrastructure while reducing production costs.
Finding the Perfect Recipe
In the early days, chefs around the twin cities would provide our head grower with feedback about the greens, addressing everything from color to taste to thickness. We were able to break down this feedback and create a perfect recipe for growing sensational green produce that met all the standards. With Living Greens Farms, it is a different type of green. The vibrant colors and crisp texture speak for themselves about the quality of our produce. Plants need more than just essential nutrients, and in the world of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), it is important to understand the process in its entirety. Living Greens Farm has worked tirelessly to balance out nutrients with light, water, and even wind to ensure that each green is exactly right.
The Future of Living Greens Farm
Presently, we're working to maximize our farm in Faribualt, MN, offering a full product line that includes indoor grown, pesticide free, washed and chopped bagged lettuce, mouth watering salad kits, nutrient packed microgreens, and herbs available throughout the Midwest. The next phase for Living Greens Farm will be to focus on expansion, looking at areas in the county in which we can do the most good.
