Who Is GoodLeaf Farms And What Is Vertical Farming?

We have a problem.

We all need to eat and we need to grow enough food to feed everyone. Consistent and reliable access to affordable nutritious food is an integral part of being food secure. Agriculture has contributed to environmental issues including deforestation, climate change, irrigation problems, lack of biodiversity, soil degradation, and waste. We need to do better in order to feed the world
and protect the earth for future generations.

Growing up is a solution. 

So, what is vertical farming?

Vertical farming is so much more than the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers.

Vertical Farming is not new. It actually began between 605-562 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar II built The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, as a gift to his wife, Queen Amytis. It was a glorious 20 metre high structure with beautiful arched terraces and lush flora. A feat in irrigation engineering brought water from the Euphrates River to the foot of the gardens to a catchment pool on the top floor.
Romantic motivation led to this breakthrough.

Fast forward to modern times when we’re faced with the pressing challenge of building a resilient food system that can produce enough food to feed the whole world in an environmentally friendly way. Vertical farming is now a way of consistently growing healthy crops year-round in a vertically stacked method using new technologies and sustainable farming practices.

These are some of the advancements in agriculture that are used in vertical farming:

Hydroponics is a technique where plants are grown without traditional soil where the roots of the plant are submerged in a liquid containing macronutrients. Hydrofarming can increase yield while using less water.

Aquaponics has been developed by combining hydroponics with raising aquatic
animals (aquaculture or fish farming) in a closed-loop system where the nutrient-rich water feeds the hydroponically grown plants.

Aeroponics was initiated in the 1990s when NASA worked on ways to efficiently grow plants in space by eliminating the use of water and soil. Instead, a liquid solution containing nutrients is misted in air chambers where the plants are suspended.

CEA or Controlled-Environmental Agriculture is the process of farming in enclosed structures or greenhouses where environmental factors like temperature, light, air, water, humidity, carbon dioxide, and nutrients can all be controlled. It allows crops to be grown year-round.

Vertical farming is an essential contributor to building a resilient food future. It is a highly efficient and more sustainable way of producing fresh food because it yields more food in less space, uses less land, and less water, and can exist anywhere all-year round.

Why is vertically farmed food so great?

Vertically farmed fruits and vegetables are absolutely delicious! They are the ultimate farm-to-fork. Because crops are produced locally, year-round, the produce is picked at peak ripeness and reaches the consumer within days of being harvested. Having no pesticides or chemical residue, the flavour is clean and fresh. Vertically farmed produce lasts longer too, leading to less
food waste.

Vertically farmed foods are local, pesticide free, non-GMO, and ultra fresh! It is better for the environment as it has a lower carbon footprint, conserves resources, and more efficiently uses water and energy.

All About GoodLeaf Farms

"Together, we are driving sustainable and innovative agriculture technology that is revolutionizing the way we grow food in Canada. Farming indoors frees us from the limitations of Canadian seasons and supports the harvesting of a superior product all year long that tastes garden fresh." -Barry Murchie, Chief Executive Officer of GoodLeaf Farms

At Market Fresh, we proudly carry Guelph-based GoodLeaf Farms fresh and delicious greens. In 2011 Goodleaf Founder, Gregg Curwin, began the journey of bringing indoor-hydroponic to Canada with the goal of delivering fresh and nutritious produce to Canadians year-round. In 2018, GoodLeaf started a fully
commercialized state-of-the-art vertical farm in Guelph.

GoodLeaf Farms mission is to ethically grow simple produce that inspires healthy lifestyles through environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Learn more about GoodLeaf Farms here.

Look for these GoodLeaf Farms fresh baby greens and microgreens at Market Fresh:

Baby Greens: Leafy greens harvested at just a few weeks. They are fresh and tender. Tastes great raw in salads, added to soups and stews, sandwiches, and wraps.

Ontario Baby Spinach: Succulent and mild. It can be enjoyed as a tasty addition to wraps, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and more! An excellent source of Vitamin K, a good source of Vitamin A, and a source of Vitamin C.

Ontario Arugula: Spicy, peppery, and bold. Our Arugula is sure to excite your taste buds in a salad or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. A good source of Vitamin A, and a source of Vitamin C, and Calcium.

Microgreens: A powerful and delicious superfood. Studies have shown they can have up to 40x more vital nutrients than their mature counterparts. Use them to garnish pizza, salads, soups, and mains, on tacos, burgers, and sandwiches - and in omelettes or smoothies like this healthy Spring Detox Smoothie. 

Micro Arugula: Bright green heart-shaped leaves with an intense spicy flavor that is both nutty and peppery. Elevates the look and flavour of meat, seafood, salad, and sandwich dishes. An excellent source of Vitamin K.

Micro Asian Blend: A mild peppery flavour with a hint of mustard lends itself well as an addition to stir fries or soups, or as a crunchy culinary adventure to any dish. An excellent source of Vitamin A, and a source of Vitamin C.

Micro Broccoli: Sweet and mild. They can be enjoyed as a tasty addition to breakfast tacos, smoothies, quiche, and more! An excellent source of Vitamins A and C, and a source of Folate.

Spicy Mustard Medley: Colourful with a touch of heat. GoodLeaf’s blend of Asian Mustard Greens lends a flavour reminiscent of Wasabi or Dijon Mustard, and makes for a perfect peppery
garnish. An excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

Pea Shoots: Pea shoots are the green, coiled tendrils of the pea plant with delicate rounded leaves. Sweet, crisp with a subtle pea flavour, they add a fresh bite to salads, seafood recipes, and summer rolls. An excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

Micro Radish: Crisp and crunchy. This radish mix is a striking blend of reddish pink, vibrant purple, and bright green leaves. Packed with a zesty radish “kick”, it makes a stunning garnish, and adds natural beauty, flavour, and nutrition to meat and seafood dishes, wraps, and curries. A source of Folate and Vitamin C.

Trust us, local just tastes better.