[April 10, 2024 – Sycamore, IL] – LettUs Grow, experts in advanced aeroponic technology, has partnered with Innovative Growers Equipment (IGE), specialists in cutting edge greenhouse equipment manufacturing, has partnered with LettUs Grow, experts in advanced aeroponic technology, to introduce ultrasonic aeroponics to greenhouse growers across the USA and Canada.
Through this partnership, IGE will manufacture LettUs Grow’s patented ultrasonic irrigation systems, enabling growers to optimise crop production and enhance quality, with the latest in irrigation technology. This strategic collaboration combines LettUs Grow’s technology with IGE’s world-leading manufacturing capacity to unlock higher crop yields with reduced resources for greenhouse growers throughout the region.
“We are thrilled to join forces with IGE to bring our advanced aeroponic technology to growers across North America,” said Charlie Guy, CEO of LettUs Grow. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to reduce the impact of growing fresh produce worldwide, by supporting growers and improving food security through meaningful collaborations. By working together with IGE, we will be enabling farmers in the US and Canada to utilise the latest in irrigation technology that brings innovation and growth to their operations.”
Having completed successful crop growth trials at both Wageningen University’s R&D greenhouse facility, and more recently at Stockbridge Technology Centre in collaboration with CHAP, LettUs Grow’s aeroponic technology has shown to improve yields and growth rates in comparison to hydroponic irrigation methods for a range of leafy greens and herbs. This collaboration will deliver increased accessibility of cutting-edge Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology to greenhouse growers in both the US and Canada, who are looking to accelerate crop growth in their facilities.
“We are excited to partner with LettUs Grow to introduce their ultrasonic aeroponic technology to the commercial greenhouse sector here in the US and in Canada,” said Chris Mayer, Founder of IGE. “By utilising LettUs Grow’s ultrasonic aeroponic technology as part of our comprehensive offering to greenhouse growers across the continent, we are opening new avenues for sustainable agriculture and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in crop production.”
“Incorporating this sophisticated technology into our offerings marks a significant step in our commitment to aiding the agricultural sector. It empowers us to tackle key issues like resource management, adapting to climate change, and boosting productivity to meet the demands of an expanding population. We envision a future where our collaboration with LettUs Grow sets new industry standards for efficiency and sustainability in greenhouse farming, driving innovation and growth in the agricultural sector across North America.”
The commercial greenhouse market in North America has seen substantial growth, having previously been valued at over 5.8 billion USD in 2023, it is now expected to reach 11.2 billion USD by 2030. The combination of complex demands on growers to increase production in the face of extreme weather, thin margins and increased costs has meant the agriculture sector is increasingly turning to CEA and technology to provide an alternative to outdoor farming practices, which are vulnerable to growing volatility of climate change. This partnership aims to strengthen and support food security across the USA and Canada, addressing the challenges posed by the changing climate that threaten growth in the agriculture sector.
This partnership will commence with the construction of a US based reference site in June 2024, where the technology will be showcased as part of the IGE & Hydrofarm facility tour, following Indoor Agtech in Chicago. The technology will then be used to conduct crop trials unique to the North American market, as well as conventional crops with international market demand. This will provide a secondary site based in the region for future collaborators and growers to view the technology first hand.
Commenting on the partnership, Glenn Behrman, President of CEA Advisors and fellow manufacturing partner of IGE said, “The benefits of this aeroponic technology lies in the impact it will have through reduced maintenance and increased productivity for greenhouse growers. This is a revolutionary new technology that has not yet been adopted en masse in the commercial greenhouse market. We’re looking forward to seeing how this adoption can increase yield, reduce costs, and improve time to market.”
