Growing Green: Welcoming Growcer

Exciting news, Ucluelet! Our vision of sustainable, locally-grown produce has taken a major leap forward with the arrival of our brand-new Growcer unit. What started as an ambitious dream has blossomed into reality as we strengthen our commitment to building a greener, more self-sufficient community right here on the west coast.

What is Growcer?

Growcer is a pioneering Canadian company revolutionizing how communities access fresh food through advanced vertical farming technology. Their innovative hydroponic systems are designed to produce high-quality greens year-round, regardless of season or weather conditions. These modular farms are built inside 40-foot containers that can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to +40°C, making them perfect for Ucluelet's unique coastal climate.

Each Growcer unit maximizes growing space through vertical farming techniques, allowing us to grow an impressive amount of produce in a compact footprint. A single container farm can produce approximately 500 heads of fresh greens every week throughout the entire year. That's over 26,000 servings of locally-grown produce annually!

How It Works

The Growcer system uses deep water culture hydroponic farming, where plants grow in nutrient-rich water rather than soil. This sustainable approach:

• Uses only 5% of the water required by traditional farming methods
• Eliminates the need for chemical pesticides
• Functions without natural sunlight, using energy-efficient LED lighting instead
• Features a high-quality HVAC system that circulates fresh air while minimizing contaminants

Why This Matters for Ucluelet

This groundbreaking partnership brings numerous benefits to our coastal community:

• Reduced Environmental Impact: By growing locally, we're dramatically cutting transportation emissions from produce typically shipped from far away
• Enhanced Food Security: Year-round production ensures consistent access to fresh, nutritious foods regardless of season or supply chain disruptions
• Strengthened Local Economy: The initiative creates new jobs and keeps food dollars circulating within our community
• Educational Opportunities: We envision local youth learning about sustainable farming and gaining valuable skills in this growing field

The Journey Ahead

The arrival of our Growcer unit marks just the beginning of this exciting journey. We're currently sending staff for training with Growcer experts to ensure we hit the ground running. Soon, you'll be enjoying the freshest possible greens grown just steps away from our store.

As the program develops, we aim to expand beyond supplying our store shelves to potentially providing fresh produce to local restaurants and other establishments, further strengthening our local food ecosystem.

A Modular Future

One of the most exciting aspects of the Growcer technology is its scalability. The modular Farmplex® system allows for expansion as needs grow. This means our local food production capabilities can evolve alongside our community, ensuring we continue meeting Ucluelet's needs for years to come.

Join Us in This Green Journey

This Earth Month, we're celebrating not just the arrival of our Growcer unit but also the collective steps we're taking toward a more sustainable future. Whether it's choosing locally-grown produce, reducing waste, or supporting innovative projects like this one, every action brings us closer to a greener, healthier Ucluelet.

We can't wait to share the literal fruits (and vegetables!) of this initiative with you very soon. Together, we're cultivating not just fresh produce but a stronger, more resilient community.

Stay tuned for updates on when you can enjoy these incredibly fresh, sustainable greens grown right in your backyard! For more information about Growcer's innovative farming systems, visit their website at thegrowcer.ca.