Food Bank Vertical Hydroponic Farm

The Food Bank Vertical Hydroponic Farm in Alberta was designed and automated by NuLeaf Farms to provide a dependable source of fresh produce throughout the year. The 1,500-plant-port facility combines independently controlled growing zones, automated irrigation and fertigation, environmental controls, and remote monitoring. Together, these systems support community food security, educational programming, and the production of multiple crops within a compact indoor space.

Vertical Hydroponic Farm Challenge

A regional food bank wanted to improve year-round access to fresh, locally grown produce while also creating an educational demonstration facility. The system needed to fit within a limited footprint, accommodate several crop types, and remain practical for staff to operate.

Because different crops require different lighting, irrigation, and nutrient conditions, the facility also needed flexible zone-level control rather than one setting for the entire farm.

NuLeaf’s Automated Hydroponic Farming Solution

NuLeaf designed and automated a 1,500-plant-port vertical hydroponic farm powered by the Leaf automation platform. The facility includes 15 independently controlled growing zones, allowing operators to assign different lighting schedules, irrigation timing, and nutrient recipes to individual crop groups.

A dedicated nursery area supports seedling production and crop scheduling. The farm also includes reverse osmosis water treatment, automated fertigation, environmental controls, and integrated monitoring.

Through the Root software platform, operators can view system performance, receive alerts, review operating data, and manage the farm remotely. This centralized approach reduces the need to monitor each system separately and helps staff respond more quickly when conditions change.

Food Security and Community Results

The facility now supports the production of lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, herbs, and specialty crops throughout the year. Independent zone control allows several crop varieties to be grown at the same time while maintaining suitable conditions for each crop.
In addition to supplying fresh produce, the project serves as a practical learning environment for visitors, staff, and community members. It demonstrates how controlled-environment agriculture can improve local food access, use indoor space efficiently, and support consistent production in Alberta’s climate.

The project also supports broader efforts to strengthen food security and improve access to nutritious food across Alberta.