ecoation and JEM farms entered into a R&D partnership to Launch HORTECA; the most advanced epicenter and knowledge hub for the future of farming.
RUTHVEN, ONTARIO. November 15, 2021 – The international robotic and AI AgTech company ecoation joined forces with the rapidly growing and progressive greenhouse owners and operators at JEM farms to build the most advanced North American Horticultural Technology Center & Academy (HORTECA). The state of the art 2 acre Demonstration and R&D facility is located in Ruthven, Ontario, right at the heart of the biggest greenhouse production cluster in North America.
Equipped with the latest commercial growing technologies (AI controlled climate computers, air management technology, precision lighting, and AI & Robotic ecoation IPM and crop assessment solutions), the center will showcase advanced existing technologies in the market and also develop future platforms that address automation, labour shortage, quality management, and residue-free production. ecoation’s R&D team will operate from HORTECA and lead joint developments between JEM farms, ecoation team, and various academic institutions and organizations.
“ The controlled environment agriculture is the answer to the growing world population and climate change induced limitations that negatively affect the food supply chain. There is no doubt that technology will play a prominent role in solving this very serious issue in near future. Yet technology that is not designed with proper insight and influence of experts will not be successful at scale. The unique advantage of HORTECA is the deep practical and commercial knowledge of its founders and their proven track record of food production at scale.” Says Dr. Saber Miresmailli, Founder and CEO of ecoation.
“ Horticultural industry is transforming and many solutions and technologies exist in the market with a diverse range of offerings and functionality claims. To properly test their capabilities, one must use them under commercial settings and conditions. HORTECA is built to provide that opportunity.” Said Paul J. Mastronardi, Director of JEM Farms. “The Center and Academy will generate knowledge and know-how along with technology platforms that can positively improve decision making and address major issues going forward” he continues.
“ We tested ecoation platform for the past two years in our farms. We were one of the first early adaptors of the technology and we are very pleased with the performance of the platform but more so, with the team at ecoation who are engaged and willing to work with us to solve real issues in our operations” Says Blake Fischer Head Grower at JEM Farms.
“ Canada introduced many ground-braking technologies and solutions to the world that positively impacted lives of millions of people; from Insulin, wheelchair accessible buses to peanut butter. The Country’s best minds are getting together in HORTECA to solve yet another major issue that impacts humanity as a whole: Clean, sustainable, and nutritious food production” Says Dr. Miresmailli.
About JEM Farms:
Jem farms started in 1985 by Jamie Mastronardi is a 50 acre greenhouse operation with all supplemental lighting. 2 acres are dedicated to an R&D department Jem farms currently grow cucumbers, mini-cucumbers, tomatoes on the vine, beefsteak tomatoes, and organic grape tomatoes.
About ecoation:
ecoation is an award-winning grower-centric platform that combines Human knowledge and experience with Machine precision and automation to increase operational visibility, assist growers, and enhance their decisions. Commercially available since September 2019, ecoation products can be found in greenhouses across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. With an experienced team of 60+ growers, scientists, engineers, and business professionals from all over the globe, ecoation is passionate about enabling a cleaner future and supporting growers in making the best possible decisions. At ecoation, we are on a mission to empower growers because we believe in doing so, we win together. More information at ecoation.com. Find ecoation on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Dr. Saber Miresmailli,
+1 (866) 899-5491 Ext. 101