Goodleaf Farms
GoodLeaf Farms, founded in Halifax, NS in 2011, operates fully-commercial, automated vertical farms in Guelph, Ontario, and is known for its hydroponically grown, non-GMO microgreens and baby greens.
Company History
GoodLeaf Farms was founded in Halifax, NS in 2011. Initially, the company constructed its first pilot farm near Truro, Nova Scotia, in 2015. This Truro facility has since been converted into a dedicated research and development center. In the summer of 2019, GoodLeaf Farms began supplying microgreens and baby greens from its first full-scale commercial farm in Guelph, Ontario. The company continues to expand its operations, with new farms under development in Calgary and Montreal.
Vertical Farming Technology
GoodLeaf Farms operates a fully-commercial, automated vertical farm, with the flagship facility located in Guelph, Ontario. The company uses hydroponic systems to grow plants in controlled indoor environments, which maintain optimal conditions for the highest quality, freshness, and taste of greens. The farms use LED lighting to facilitate multi-level plant growth within the same square footage, enabling year-round production. This innovative approach results in GoodLeaf Farms using 95% less water than traditional growing methods, and the company's carbon footprint is half that of a traditional farm.
Sustainable Farming Practices
GoodLeaf Farms prioritizes sustainability in its farming practices. The company's hydroponic farming method uses 95% less water compared to traditional agriculture, and its carbon footprint is significantly lower. No pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides are used on the crops. Instead, the vertical farm setup allows for a completely controlled and clean growing environment. Additionally, the used substrate from the farm is recycled and repurposed in commercial landscaping.
Product Offerings
GoodLeaf Farms' product range includes a variety of microgreens and baby greens. Some of the popular items are Kick’n Micro Mustard, Sweet Pea Shoots, Magic Micro Broccoli, Intensely Arugula Micros, and Zesty Micro Radish. Other offerings include Micro Asian Blend, Oh So Sweet Spinach, Cool Crisp Lettuce, Robust Romaine, Sweet & Spicy Mix, Four Seasons Mix, and Crisp Spring Mix. These products are grown locally in the Guelph, ON farm and are available year-round.
Retail Availability
GoodLeaf Farms' products are widely available across multiple retail outlets in Ontario and beyond. Some of the notable retailers include Buy-Low Foods, Calgary Co-Op, Federated Co-Op, Foodland, Fortinos, Freshco Ontario, IGA, Les Marches Tradition, Loblaws, Longos, Marches Bonichoix, Metro, Nesters, Pete’s, Rachelle Berry, Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway, Save On Foods, Sobeys, Super C, Thrifty Foods, Urban Fare, Voila, Whole Foods, Your Independent Grocer, and Zehrs. Most of these stores receive GoodLeaf Farms' products within a few days from pick-up, ensuring high freshness and quality.