Alquimi engineers hurricane resistant greenhouse
“For the first time in history, new technologies in greenhouse structural engineering, combined with our off grid energy systems (solar and/or WTE cogeneration), environmental controls, and the latest in hydroponic growing systems will allow us to develop commercial scale fresh food production in regions that have been limited to relatively small scale outdoor farming that cannot produce enough food to meet its own needs” comments Ralph Birkhoff, one of Alquimi’s principal partners.
The Caribbean region as an example, currently imports over 80% of its annual fresh produce needs to meet the demands of its retailers and growing tourism industry. Consequently these food products are expensive, lacking in quality and nutritional content, and the supply chain can be inconsistent. “Regional grocery chains are constantly faced with challenges in maintaining a fresh produce supply chain and keeping these products on their shelves.” says Birkhoff “Fresh berry fruits, various lettuces, peppers, and tomatoes, are in high demand and can be available one day and gone the next.”
The Alquimi greenhouse production model for small island states is the first comprehensive growing solution that will generate local production of currently imported produce on a scale that will make a difference to the local economies. Each 20 acre operation includes a 620,000 square foot greenhouse structure, a 50,000 sf production and packaging facility, and a custom designed off grid energy generation system producing approximately 1.6MW for operational power. “Depending on crop mix allocations from our customers the system will produce about 3500 tons of fresh produce annually, but from current demand we already know we are going to have to increase this scale - even for smaller islands”.
Alquimi has pre-commitments signed for over 70% of the planned greenhouse production from regional grocery chains, resort companies, and agri-processing companies across the Caribbean and Pacific Islands who are eager to access a local production of fresh produce and fruit. Alquimi has also signed a partnership agreement with Netherlands based FarmedToday which will provide the first online marketplace in the Caribbean for fresh produce. Supply will come from the Alquimi operations, plus locally produced crops, meats, and packaged food items. “This will provide local producers access to our supply chain and promote trade opportunities between the Caribbean and the European market”.
Alquimi is working with regional agriculture and energy developers across the Caribbean region including USAID, CARDI, and the OECS Agricultural Unit, as well as national agricultural ministries, to integrate its commercial growing platform with local production, and to promote access to greenhouse technologies to local commercial farmers. “Critical to our success is to recognize that there is already a solid focus on agricultural development in each island across the Caribbean region. We want to be a part of that development by partnering with private and public sector stakeholders, and providing them with technology access and financing solutions” quotes Birkhoff. Alquimi intends to offer training in hydroponic growing to attract youth back to farming, in a region where the average farmer is about 55 years old.
Alquimi is currently seeking established greenhouse growing companies from Canada, the US, and Europe to partner with the consortium on these projects. “We have 4 projects approaching design/build stage, 7 others in advanced pre-development, and about 14 others identified, so we need more experienced grower companies to join us and be a part of this tremendous business opportunity” says Birkhoff.
For more information:
Alquimi Renewables
251 Riverside Ave
Westport, CT 06880
855.257.8464
rbirkhoff@alquimirenewables.com
www.alquimirenewables.com