Microgreens might be a tiny product, but the industry that produces them has seen huge growth over the last couple of years. This is also noticed by Grow-Tech, a U.S. company that supplies the emerging microgreens industry with propagation felt substrates.
Microgreens, Baby Greens and Wheatgrass: These are the three major 'small greens' that are being cultivated by an increasing number of small, local, indoor farmers. Their business is driven by the demand that comes from chefs that use them as flavor enhancements and as colorful garnishes on their plates. This has been the main driver for the growth in the microgreens market, but there is another niche industry that pushes new growth within this segment: cosmetics.
Siebe Streekstra of Grow-Tech: "Aside from the many small growers, we supply our substrates to companies that grow microgreens in large-scale controlled environment facilities. These microgreens don't end up on the plate, but are processed into oils and ingredients for consumer items like shampoo and skincare products. Microgreens contain a lot of vitamin A & B in addition to many other micro-elements, making them very attractive ingredients for personal care product manufacturers."
Siebe Streekstra and Eric Waterman of Grow-Tech at the 5th Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas.
With a focus on these new market opportunities in the microgreens space, Grow-Tech decided to develop a clean, easy-to-use, substrate material. "There was not a microgreen specific growing medium available when Grow-Tech was starting their R&D other than potting mix or coco-fiber. Synthetic products were being adapted but not meeting the needs of the microgreen grower. Therefore, we designed a bio-based, compostable textile that absorbs and retains water while providing an optimum environment for dense healthy root development."
Streekstra explained that food safety and hygiene were important factors they considered when developing the substrate. Propagating on soilless mix results in ‘dirt’ on the microgreens. With a felt substrate, everything stays clean and free from contaminates. Another benefit is that the microgreens can be sold root-on-live, with the felt, which results in a longer shelf life."
BioStrate Microgreens Propagation Felt
After the introduction of their BioStrate Microgreens Propagation Felt, Grow-Tech slowly noticed that there was a lot of demand for a completely organic version of their product. "Microgreens are trending. They are not only hyped by the recent wave of new local, indoor farmers, but also by a growing amount of supermarkets that offer them. Many supermarkets demanded an OMRI-Listed organic version of the felt: PUREgrown."
PUREgrown hemp-felt
"Our PUREgrown hemp-felt is an OMRI Listed, 100% hemp product. It is made from fibers that are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. PUREgrown hemp-felt is designed to transport water evenly throughout the entire medium and maintain a perfect ratio of water and air for the development of healthy root systems."
The PUREgrown and BioStrate microgreens propagation felt from Grow-Tech are available to both home growers and commercial greenhouse growers.
For more information:
Grow-TechSiebe Streekstra (e-mail)
165 Pleasant Ave
South Portland, ME 04106
Tel: +1 (207) 353-5005
info@grow-tech.com
www.grow-tech.com
165 Pleasant Ave
South Portland, ME 04106
Tel: +1 (207) 353-5005
info@grow-tech.com
www.grow-tech.com