TMU researchers receive funding from Weston Family Foundation to transform berry agriculture using year-round, sustainable vertical farms
Toronto, May 22, 2024: Two professors from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) with complementary expertise in engineering and horticulture have joined forces to develop an innovative berry-growing system that will transform how fruit is grown in Canada and around the world.
Mechanical engineer Habiba Bourgherara, from the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS), and plant scientist Lesley Campbell, from the Faculty of Science (FOS), were selected as one of the 11 elite teams across Canada to pioneer new agricultural technologies with a $1-million grant.
The grant is thanks to the Weston Family Foundation (external link) and its $33-million Homegrown Innovation Challenge (external link) , created to support research aimed at cultivating raspberries out-of-season on a substantial scale in Canada.
“Professors Bougherara and Campbell have emerged as leaders in the agri-food technology sector. Their interdisciplinary collaboration demonstrates TMU’s strength in developing innovative solutions for real-world challenges,” said Steven N. Liss, vice-president, research and innovation at TMU. “This important work has the potential to transform how we grow produce, delivering more sustainable and accessible food for Canadians.”
Potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry
Using raspberries and blackberries as a proof-of-concept, Bougherara and Campbell's groundbreaking technology offers a year-round, sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods.
It does so by developing new, digitally optimized vertical farms using entirely recycled materials and recovered energy, autonomous pollination, eliminating the need for pesticides and soil, significantly reducing land and labour requirements, and enabling year-round production in diverse climates, thereby addressing key challenges in modern agriculture while minimizing environmental impacts.
“This new technology has the potential to transform the agricultural industry on a local, national and international scale,” said Bougherara. “It will create new types of farms that produce local fruit out-of-season, while preserving natural resources, and provide equal access to affordable and nutritious food.”
The vertical, multi-layered design maximizes space efficiency which has ground-breaking results.
“Our research shows that this technology yields a remarkable 350 per cent increase in food production compared to conventional farming methods,” said Campbell. “The versatility of this technology extends beyond berries - it can be adapted to grow a wide array of fruits and vegetables within greenhouses and vertical farms, offering tremendous opportunities for sustainable food production in Canada. With this technology, we can grow any type of food anywhere in the world.”
Talking to plants
Another extraordinary feature of the technology is the development of a communication tool between plants and the growing environment. By inserting a biosensor into the stem of the plant, plants express their needs to a control system which adjusts their growing environment accordingly.
Observing plants and using the information generated through the sensor, Bougherara and Campbell’s vertical farm automatically adjusts nutrient levels, lighting or temperature changes to facilitate optimal berry growth and development.
Bougherara and Campbell anticipate commercialization of their innovative growing system within the next three to five years.
Next Steps in the Homegrown Innovation Challenge
Currently in its second phase, each team, including Bougherara and Campbell, has received $1 million to develop and refine their prototypes. The upcoming phase, scheduled for fall 2024, will narrow down the competition to four teams, furthering the drive towards innovative agricultural solutions.
Additional background information available upon request.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES
Lindsey Craig
Toronto Metropolitan University
lindseyc@torontomu.ca.
About the Homegrown Innovation Challenge
Delivered over six years, the $33 million Homegrown Innovation Challenge supports the development of tools and technologies to enable Canadian farmers and producers to grow berries out of season – sustainably and competitively. We believe that by accomplishing out-of-season berry production, we can unlock solutions for myriad other fruits and vegetables.
About the Weston Family Foundation
At the Weston Family Foundation (formerly The W. Garfield Weston Foundation), more than 60 years of philanthropy has taught us that there is a relationship between healthy landscapes and healthy people. That is why we champion world-class health research and innovation with the same passion that we support initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity on Canada’s unique landscapes. We take a collaborative approach to philanthropy, working alongside forward-thinking partners to advance Canada and create lasting impacts. We aspire to do more than provide funding; we want to enable others to find transformational ways to improve the well-being of Canadians.
About Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the University is home to more than 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 225,000 alumni worldwide. www.torontomu.ca