klamath Falls, Ore. – A Klamath Falls company is working to re-engineer the way fresh produce is grown.
The concept is to turn shipping containers into vegetable farms.
‘Gro-volution’ President Eric Wilson explains: “The Gro-volution system is a mobile farming environment that’s 3-dimensional, and it uses what’s called aeroponics.”
“Planters that are suspended in the air – behind the plants, we spray a nutrient mist.” Adds partner Derek Pallett. “And then in front of the plants we have grow lights.”
The system can grow everything from ‘micro-greens’ like sunflower plants, to lettuce, and other leafy greens.
“We’ve had some interest from Sherm’s (Thunderbird Market). Notes Wilson. “We’ve also had interest from some local restaurants.”
Wilson says growing in a ‘closed’ on-site environment means no need for pesticides, herbicides, or shipping costs…
“And we can grow it for less money than the competitors.”
Wilson believes there’s a lot of profit potential in each container…
“Estimated, we can grow about 90 thousand pounds of spinach per year.”
Wilson hopes the technology can also help in times of drought, or for disaster relief…
“It’s another tool that farmers can use to help meet food demands – and that’s really, really important.”
The men learned their engineering skills at Oregon Tech.
Derek Pallet believes their idea could be the next big thing…
“We need to find some way to supply ourselves, and hopefully, try to take a step back from harming the environment in doing so.”
Their biggest challenge could be getting ‘seed money’ from investors.
‘Gro-volution’ will hold an open house and investor party on Saturday, March 28th from 5:PM to 10:PM. They’re located at 2913 Broadmore Street in Klamath Falls.
You’ll find more on the web, at: gro-volution.com
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