A partnership between Cowessess First Nation and Saskatoon-based B-Nature Biotech is developing a rapid composting facility and greenhouse designed to strengthen sustainable agriculture and local food production. Supported by an $855,000 investment from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), the project aims to create a circular system where community food waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost that can support greenhouse growing and improve farmland soil health. The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Community leaders say the project highlights the importance of rebuilding soil health by returning organic matter and beneficial microorganisms to the land. Cowessess First Nation Councillor Terry Lerat said compost-based soil can help restore farmland while supporting long-term food security. "By adding organic matter and microorganisms back into the land, compost can help regenerate soil more quickly and naturally than conventional fertilizers alone," he said.
The system will collect local food waste in wildlife-proof bins and process it in an insulated composting unit using technology developed by B-Nature Biotech. Unlike traditional composting, which can take months, the rapid composting process completes active decomposition in about five days before the material is cured and used in greenhouse production or applied to nearby farmland.
Project partners say the initiative is designed as a scalable model for Indigenous and rural communities. Raj Bahari, business development director at B-Nature Biotech, said the technology supports both environmental and economic benefits. "Our rapid composting platform transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments in days rather than months, creating local jobs, strengthening food security, and reducing landfill emissions," he said.
Source: www.canada.ca
