Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world. When I stumbled upon an initiative addressing food security while also benefiting the environment through greenhouses, I was intrigued to delve deeper.
This week’s highlights include a Canadian company claiming to have developed a more eco-friendly greenhouse, insights on the escalating costs of floods, and tips to endure Canada’s extended and harsh allergy seasons.
Benjamin Feagin Jr., with roots in a small Ontario town, witnessed firsthand the challenges of food affordability and limited growing seasons impacting dietary choices. In 2021, he returned to his hometown and noticed persisting concerns regarding food access. Together with Fabian Velez, they established AgriTech North, initially a local food security project, but now holding a patented greenhouse technology aiming to offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution.
Their innovation involves a specialized plastic greenhouse covering reducing winter heat loss by over 70% compared to conventional glass structures. Operating a 10,000-square-foot research unit in Dryden, the project supports numerous local food businesses and provides fresh produce to over 1,000 families. With a diverse range of crops, including lettuce, greens, herbs, and fruiting plants, AgriTech North aims to combat food insecurity in northern communities.
Unlike traditional greenhouses relying on outdoor venting for temperature control, AgriTech North’s design incorporates an efficient climate control system, minimizing heat loss and pest intrusion. Addressing extreme winter conditions in Dryden, the greenhouse is equipped to withstand temperatures as low as -40°C, with snow load considerations in its construction.
Despite commendations for its innovative features, AgriTech North faces funding challenges hindering commercialization. The company seeks to maintain production and manufacturing within Canada, emphasizing local support and sustainability.
In a bid to provide valuable insights into environmental challenges and solutions, our newsletter unfolds compelling narratives on green innovation, climate impacts, and adaptive measures, striving for a more sustainable future.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for our upcoming editions. If you have any feedback, questions, or story suggestions, please reach out to whatonearth@cbc.ca.
Editors: Emily Chung and Hannah Hoag | Logo design: Sködt McNalty