The Sheshegwaning First Nations Growcer facility opened its doors to visitors on December 9, 2023, as part of the Knowledge Translation and Transfer initiative for the Technology Roadmap to Northern Ontario Horticulture research project. The project, a collaborative effort by the Vineland Research Institute and the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA), extensively studied the barriers and opportunities of horticulture in Northern Ontario, exploring how existing technologies could be harnessed to overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities in the horticulture industry. (For those interested, the full report can be found at www.FarmNorth.com).
Growcer, sells a hydroponic container gardening system housed in shipping containers. The compact design of these units makes them particularly suitable for transportation to remote communities, providing an economically viable alternative to traditional greenhouse structures. Sheshegwaning, situated near the western tip of Manitoulin Island, approximately 250 kilometers from the nearest city center, welcomed this innovative solution to provide its residents with locally grown produce year-round.
The Sheshegwaning Growcer lot boasts two units, one of which guests explored during the tour. Acquired in 2019, the smaller of the two units is a testament to the community’s commitment to bringing locally grown food to its residents. Despite the winter conditions in December, the hydroponic system showcased its ability to cultivate a variety of lettuces and herbs year-round. The unit runs on a 4-week cycle, from germination to harvest, which provides monthly local access to the produce for the community. The unit, powered by hydro with a backup generator, has the capability to operate independently in areas lacking access to a traditional power grid.
The second unit on the lot was purchased in Summer of 2023. The unit is slightly bigger than the first unit, which will allow the team to grow larger plants such as tomatoes and berries in upcoming seasons.
The Sheshegwaning team shared their experiences utilizing about a third of the unit’s capacity, outputting approximately 340 plants per month, emphasizing the importance of regular meetings with the Growcer experts. These weekly discussions focus on planting and harvesting schedules, explore opportunities for additional plant varieties, and resolve any issues that may be present. The team is exploring partnerships to expand their service area on the island to provide more communities with local produce. However, challenges surfaced during the conversation, particularly concerning marketing and distribution. Despite the four years of operation, not all 150 residents were aware of the available products or the facility. There is an opportunity here to provide educational initiatives for communities to enhance awareness, marketability, and reduce potential waste from unsold produce.
The Sheshegwaning First Nations Growcer facility serves as a beacon of innovation, providing a sustainable solution to the challenges of remote horticulture in Northern Ontario. The Growcer model stands out as a transformative force in ensuring year-round access to fresh, locally grown produce for remote communities.