Their plan for 2016 is to continue to focus on becoming the leading technology developer and distributor of vertical farming equipment in order to help solve food security problems by using their proprietary growing and cultivation systems. With the help of their strategic partners and technical team, Affinor's immediate plans in 2016 include continuing the development and commercialization of the patented technology and equipment, validation through third party partners, and developing pilot plants to prove commercialization and revenue models.
Commercial trial and development
Starting in December 2015, Affinor is testing their greenhouse vertical farming technology using a single 4 level tower for commercial strawberry production. A single 140 square foot space that typically yielded 8 plants per square meter was replaced with Affinor growing technology. That same 140 square feet is now yielding 21 plants per square meter, with vertical room to add another 6 levels for a potential 52 plants per square meter. The project allows Affinor to test and demonstrate their technology within a commercial environment proving their concepts and designs.
Pilot plant and commercialization
Affinor's development partner, the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, is known for its "Agriculture of Excellence" program. The company's plan in 2016 is to install a pilot plant consisting of 4, 10 level vertical farming towers within the university's technologically advanced diffusion greenhouse which is built and available now. The pilot plant will be used to generate revenue for the local market, prove operational assumptions and provide equipment validation, robotic automation and commercialization. Future plans include expanding the pilot plant to a commercial plant encompassing the full 6,000 square foot greenhouse demonstrating the full potential of the technology.
This operation will be used to study and improve Affinor's technology, generate revenues from strawberry sales, and as a showcase for sales and development.
Residential home vertical growing systems - product development
There has been a steady demand for smaller residential or "home use" vertical growing systems. Affinor is currently designing and developing a smaller outdoor greenhouse vertical growing system specifically for residential purposes. Affinor has partnered with University of the Fraser Valley to help validate and demonstrate the new technology starting in April 2016.
Affinor plans to set up an initial test location for the home use vertical growing system in 2016.
St-Chrysostome greenhouse facility
Affinor's commercial greenhouse facility is in the City of St-Chrysostome, Quebec. It will eventually be the flagship greenhouse showcasing all of Affinor's technology and capabilities. This will be the first of its kind and it will supply organic strawberries and other crops grown to Eastern Canada and the Eastern seaboard of the United States.
The project is strategically important to Affinor Growers as the facility is a "working prototype" proof of concept for its Vertical Growing technologies and proprietary cultivation systems. The goal is to increase greenhouse efficiency by a further 10 - 12 times per square meter. Affinor's business plan includes the licensing of this technology to other strategic companies around the world.
The facility requires further financing before going to the next construction phase.
For more information
Affinor Growers
(514) 947-2272
