ZipGrow enables Vercrop’s medicinal crop ambitions to grow

VAC is a privately funded controlled environment agriculture farm spearheaded by Founder and CEO Kaushik Borada. The business is supported by family investors, with additional funding support from Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

This build completes phase one of an ambitious three-stage plan, where crops of leafy greens and herbs and medicinal crops can grow to the fullest of their potential in four self-contained, fully controlled environments. Phase one includes over 1530 hydroponic ZipGrow Towers providing a growing canopy of 12,240ft.

“In the first phase, we will be able to produce 40,000 to 80,000 ounces per harvest,” says Borada. “The crops will be sold to national retailers and grocery stores year-round. Phase two will focus on pharmaceutical industries, medicinal crops and food manufacturers. Ultimately, we are looking to grow nutrient dense, pesticide free crops that are healthier for human consumption.”

The strategic location of London, Ontario, enables VerCrop to scale its business and provide an efficient supply chain. Stage two is slated for Q4 of 2023, and Borada estimates that on completion of phase three in 2026, Vercrop will have created dozens of jobs to support the local community, including farm production and research roles.

“It’s exciting to be part of a project that will ultimately utilise ZipGrow technologies for medicinal crops in Canada,” said Eric Lang, President of ZipGrow Inc.” This is an exciting venture and an excellent example of the versatility that hydroponics can bring to the agriculture industry.”

Anticipating the completion of their build, Vercrop has been growing seedlings on-site and has begun immediate operations. An official invitation-only launch will occur in late May, open to municipality representatives, media, and key stakeholders.

Photos: ZipGrow

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