GROWCER MODULAR FARM

Growcer Modular Vertical Farms at the Co-op!

Our Co-op is growing in more ways than one. In 2022, we were the grateful recipients of 2 government contributions (one provincial and one federal) to assist us in building greater resilience within our local food system, in the health and well-being of our community and in our Co-op. We were awarded two Growcer Modular Units, both with unique purposes. Built-in Canada, the first one is the Vertical Farm Unit. It's a 40' x 10' custom-built steel container that combines Hydroponic Technology with Precision Climate Controls. The vertical farms are designed to sustain the harshest weather and enable us to run a profitable business growing fresh healthy, delicious, and affordable food for our community 365 days a year.

The second unit is our Produce Processing Unit. It is equipped with refrigeration, work tables, packaging equipment and a pass-through window, so customers can drive (or walk) right up to the window to pick up their freshly harvested greens!

"When I tasted the Co-ops own-grown arugula, I realized that I have never eaten "real" arugula. It was astoundingly flavourful and spicy!"

Jonni, Huntsville

What do we grow?

You can grow almost anything in the Growcer Units; however, we're keeping our production to everything green! We have great demand for all sorts of lettuces, kale, arugula, spinach, Asian greens, Bok Choy, basil, parsley, cilantro and more, so that's what we grow. As our processes get more streamlined, we'll be experimenting and trying a bunch of new things. Stay tuned with what's growing on in our Growcer Farms through Facebook and our weekly newsletters.

Where can I get in on these amazing greens?

Our Co-op grown greens are available in our Co-op produce section and in our weekly Bounty Boxes. Soon, you may eat these delicious greens and herbs at one of a few local restaurants - we'll keep you posted on where in Huntsville you can dine on our fresh greens soon!

Who's making this magic happen?

We'd love to introduce you to Deven Graham-Smith. Deven was hired in the Fall of 2022 as our Lead Hydroponic Growcer Technician. His background was in shipping and logistics which proved to be invaluable when planning and prepping for the arrival of our farms. Deven made a very complicated site prep situation (in the middle of Winter!!) look pretty seamless. Our units were set in place (right at our Co-op on Crescent Rd.) in February 2023, with ease and precision. Soon after they were delivered, Deven took off his hard hat, put on his lab coat and got growing. It has been beautiful to see Deven dive into his true passion- growing things and learning all the systems that accompany that process. His first harvests have been a celebration, with many more coming in the future! Deven is becoming a leading expert in this technology as there are few of these Farms in our country. We are ever grateful for everything Deven contributes to our Co-op and to the empowerment he is building for generations to come. You'll taste this determination, love and passion in his greens! We promise!

Get Involved!

Are you interested in learning more by volunteering with us?

Deven will be in need of consistent volunteer help in the Growcer. By consistent, we mean that our hopes are that any volunteers working with Deven, can commit to the same day and time in each week. This is because you will be taught a specific aspect of the operation and over the weeks and months, you will get really good at it! Deven needs help with the following: Seeding, cleaning, harvesting and packaging. Our volunteers are thanked with coffee and tea, lunch and of course, greens to take home! Email deven@muskokanorthfood.com if you are interested in helping Deven out on a weekly basis. We are very grateful for any and all help!
Can we visit the Co-op's Growcer Units anytime?

Not exactly. While we are proud of our Everyone is Always Welcome philosophy, the Growcer Units are different. That's because they need to stay as sterile as possible in order for optimal growth success. So, if you'd like to come check them out, you need to make an appointment. That way, we can ensure that our lead technician is ready to give a tour and prepared with the booties, the jackets and the hairnets! Email us at deven@muskokanorthfood.com if you're interested in checking out the inside of our farms.