News Business Structures & Equipment
York Region launches how-to webinar series on vertical farming

For those looking to start a vertical farming operation, but unsure of where to start, there’s an informative webinar series coming your way.

The regional municipality of York has teamed up with sector partners Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and Durham Region to launch a free, four-part webinar series on vertical farming entitled “Vertical Farming 101.”

“COVID-19 has created challenges in food security. We heard directly from many stakeholders that they want to learn more about the evolving field of vertical farming, and how they can start their own business,” says Meena Hassanali, Agriculture and Agri-Food Business Specialist for York Region.

The series will cover the basics of setting up a farm, new cultivation techniques, and business planning. Webinars will also feature established vertical farming companies in the region who have successfully gone through the process, including Boreal Greens and Mighty Harvest Produce.

The first webinar, an introduction to vertical farming, starts Feb 3. The registration form can be found here.

“We structured the webinar series to address key barriers to starting a vertical farm. This includes topics like navigating approvals and permits, a comprehensive understanding of the process and requirements to start and grow an indoor farming business to a commercial scale, and learning about technical aspects such as cultivation techniques,” says Hassanali.

Although the series is organized by York Regions, organizers says the content will be applicable to residents and business owners across Ontario. In addition to the organizing partners, presenting leads also include Seneca College and Durham College.

“The goal is for aspiring and new vertical farmers to learn about the technical aspects of setting up a vertical farm, navigating the regulatory space, finding community partners and hearing from successful local businesses. In short, the goal is to provide local residents, businesses and others with the tools they need to start their journey in vertical farming,” says Hassanali.

For a complete listing of the webinars, click here.