Canadian government invests in Yukon aquaponics farm

In the North of Canada, where the growing season is brief and many northern communities rely on food flown in by plane or trucked up via ice roads, traditional farming has its challenges.

Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced an investment of $75,000 to support an innovative approach to northern agriculture to help feed the North.

North Star Agriculture Inc., a subsidiary of Gray Dragon Investment Corporation, is developing the first indoor, vertical aquaponics farm in the Yukon. The first of its kind north of 60, the vertical farm will have a capacity equivalent to three hectares of land, and the ability to produce 200 tonnes of fish and over 200,000 kg of produce annually. Development of a northern aquaponics farm will create local employment while decreasing reliance on food transported from southern regions.

“Our Government supports innovative approaches designed to address challenges facing Canadians. Local production is one way to keep costs down. This project has great potential to make a real difference in providing Northerners with access to fresh, local produce, while creating jobs and diversifying the Yukon economy”, said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

“We are committed to “Feeding the North” through innovation, technology, and strong partnerships. Our goal to revolutionize the quality, quantity, and availability of fresh vegetables to our local market is set to succeed. We look forward to serving our community and joining the ranks of agricultural pioneers helping to create a more self-sufficient Yukon”, commented Sonny Gray, CEO of North Star Agriculture.