Greenhouse growers have a new solution for producing high-quality organic vegetables indoors. The A.M.A. 60 Growing Container, developed by A.M.A. Horticulture Inc., is a simple solution that satisfies organic growing standards in Canada. Developed with grower input in 2018 and successfully piloted by two Leamington-based commercial growers, the growing container was officially introduced at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Canada’s requirements for indoor organic growing aim to imitate nature and ensure authenticity. Containers for staked greenhouse crops including tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers must be at least 30cm high and hold soil volumes of at least 60L.
“This is an unusual size for an indoor growing container, and there weren’t many options available that could satisfy the requirements and deliver on quality and efficiency,” says Shawn Mallen, Manager of Hydroponics and Manufacturing at A.M.A. “When growers came to us with the challenge, we did what we do best: got to work to solve it.”
A.M.A. collaborated with local growers and manufacturers to build a container for indoor organic growing that would easily integrate with existing systems and adapt as trends and technologies evolve.
“Proper drainage, flexibility and longevity are central to the design of the A.M.A. 60 Growing Container,” explains Shawn. “It fits on existing trough and gutter systems to reduce costs, and has feet to accommodate greenhouses that grow on the ground.”
The container features white panels to help keep young roots cool and can be stacked and nested for easy transport and storage. It is made from heavy-duty, injection-molded plastic that can be sterilized season after season. The container’s versatile design also opens up opportunities beyond organic vegetables.
“As the conversation around sustainability and food security grows in our industry, we expect to see greater demand for solutions that enable high-quality, efficient indoor growing – not just for cukes and tomatoes, but for a wide range of crops,” says Connie Bradt, Managing Director, A.M.A. Horticulture. “We invented this container to support indoor organic vegetables today, but we also designed it with the adaptability required to meet the needs of growers tomorrow.”
For more information:
A.M.A. Horticulture
2011 Spinks Drive
Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5
Canada
T: 519-322-1397 or 800-338-1136
F: 519-322-1358
[email protected]
www.amahort.com