BARRIE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Taking the vertical farming concept and working to evolve it, Local Leaf Farms has developed an innovative approach to reducing food miles and logistics challenges. The Canadian grower uses small-footprint vertical farming operations to bring hyper-local products to consumers with the ability to be on retail shelves within hours of harvest.
“There are many advantages to producing in a smaller facility,” said Steve Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Local Leaf Farms. “Not only are we better able to manage the quality and freshness of every variety we produce, but by servicing over a small geographical area, our product is on the shelf quickly, offering consumers better quality and an extended life in their homes, while ensuring reduced shrink for produce operators.”
The grower plans to expand these benefits to a larger population by opening as many as 20 additional small-footprint facilities across Canada by 2025, a release stated. Through this planned growth over the next several years, Local Leaf Farms expects to provide its hyper-local, high-nutrient products grown without the use of chemicals and packed in eco-friendly cartons to more Canadians.
In addition to producing high-quality products close to where shoppers can purchase them, Local Leaf Farms also offers other benefits to its retail partners, including 100 percent plastic-free compostable containers used for its My Local Leaf consumer brand.
“Customers ask for My Local Leaf by name,” added Anna Pereira, Produce Manager for a nearby Foodland store in Schomberg, Ontario. “Not only do customers rave about the bold flavors and long shelf-life, but they also appreciate the eco-friendly packaging.”
What’s next for Local Leaf Farms? Only time and AndNowUKnow will tell.
