In time for winter production, Sollum Technologies has completed the expansion of its smart LED lighting solution at Allegro Acres, a greenhouse pepper farm in Kingsville, Ontario.
The increase from 4 to 12 acres of LED-lit greenhouse production represents the largest-ever deployment of Sollum’s unique technology and is a significant step in the drive to improve food security and sustainability in Canada.
“With this expansion, now even more Canadians will be able to enjoy fresh, locally grown peppers all winter long,” said Gene Ingratta, President of Allegro Acres. “We were so pleased with last year’s harvest of winter-produced peppers, which was the first ever in Canada using LED lighting technology, that we decided to triple our acreage. Sollum’s solution was a big part of our success, and there was no question that it was going to be part of our plans going forward.”
“Sollum’s smart LED lighting solution gives greenhouse growers unparalleled, real time and remote control of their lighting, and opens unprecedented opportunities for the horticultural industry,” said Sollum CEO Louis Brun. “Year-round production is one of the benefits, which also include improving growers’ productivity and adaptability, increasing Canadian food autonomy and strengthening local economies.”
In total, Allegro Acres’ expanded operation covers 12 acres and utilizes more than 12,000 smart lighting fixtures connected to Sollum’s industry-leading SUN as a Service® cloud platform. Watch the video for a close-up view.
This project is supported, in part, through the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative, a cost-share program funded by the Ontario Government and delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council, on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
