Oppy and UP Vertical Farms launch inaugural facility

UP Vertical Farms has launched its inaugural facility in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, alongside its sales and marketing partner, Oppy.
UP Vertical Farms has launched its inaugural facility in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, alongside its sales and marketing partner, Oppy.
(Photo courtesy of Oppy)

After nearly a decade of researching and developing the latest technology to grow crops at 350 times the yield of conventional field-grown greens, UP Vertical Farms has launched its inaugural facility in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, alongside its sales and marketing partner, Oppy, according to a news release. 

UP Vertical Farms greens are grown using 99% less land, 99% less water and 99% less fertilizer than conventional farming. They are also grown with no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, the release said. 

The UP facility is fully automated from seeding through to harvest. Using recycled carbon dioxide and proprietary lighting technology, leaves are grown to custom brix levels and flavor profiles, and last 22 days or more refrigerated, the release said.

And because the greens are never touched by human hands, they are ready to eat right out of the package with no need to wash. Oppy and UP Vertical Farms launch new facility

“We are thrilled to go live after many years of research, development and planning,” Bahram Rashti, co-founder of UP Vertical Farms, said in the release. “With climate change affecting the fresh produce supply in a multitude of ways, we’re honored to do our part to help Canada navigate its food security issues — as with recent shortages experienced in the traditional leafy greens sector, for example. These limitations in supply will be a continuous issue, one that we had foreseen, and for which we developed a commercial scale solution to address. Our facility will further limit Canada’s dependence on imported greens in the provinces we supply and we anticipate expanding our footprint quickly.” 

Forecasting production of just under 2 million pounds — or 6.3 million bags — of salad greens per year, UP Vertical Farms says it also has the ability to customize packs specific to the individual needs of retailers and restaurants. Because crops are grown in an automated 13- to 21-day period, blends can be tailored and grown immediately to keep pace with ongoing trends, the release said.

“Entering the vertical farming space with Bahram and Shahram Rashti has been an [utmost] pleasure,” Oppy Executive Director of Berries and Canadian Category Development Aaron Quon said in the release. “We’re looking forward to officially bringing their long-time vision to life, and providing our retail customers with the most advanced, sustainable technology in leafy greens that they have ever seen.” 

Facility tours have begun. More information is available from Oppy sales representatives. 

With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, the Vancouver, British Columbia-based Oppy has been growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for 165 years.

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.