The Provincial Government has announced a significant investment to support Aera Agriculture, a St. John’s-based company that has developed an innovative aeroponic appliance for indoor herb and vegetable cultivation. This initiative aims to enhance local food production and provide restaurants with a sustainable source of fresh produce.
Key Takeaways
The Provincial Government has allocated $146,531 to Aera Agriculture for the development of its smart farming device, Victory.
Victory is a fridge-sized aeroponic appliance designed for commercial use, capable of growing various plants.
The appliance features a proprietary crop management system and remote access capabilities.
Aera has secured commitments from five local restaurants for trials of its pre-production units.
Additional funding of up to $57,168 is provided by the National Research Council of Canada to support growth trials.
Overview of Aera Agriculture
Aera Agriculture is on a mission to revolutionize food production through its cutting-edge technology. The company’s flagship product, Victory, is designed to address the challenges faced by restaurants in sourcing high-quality, fresh produce. By utilizing aeroponic technology, Victory allows users to grow a wide variety of plants indoors, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh ingredients.
Features of the Victory Appliance
Victory is not just an ordinary farming appliance; it comes equipped with several advanced features:
Aeroponic Technology: This innovative method allows plants to grow in a mist environment, promoting faster growth and higher yields.
Crop Management System: A proprietary software system that helps users monitor and manage their crops effectively.
Remote Access: Users can control and monitor their appliance from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
Dashboard Analytics: Comprehensive analytics to track growth progress and optimize production.
Target Market and Trials
Aera Agriculture is strategically targeting mid-to-upscale independently owned restaurants that often struggle to find affordable, high-quality fresh produce. The company has already secured commitments from five local restaurants in the St. John’s area to participate in trials of the pre-production versions of the Victory appliance. This collaboration will provide valuable feedback and insights to refine the product before its official launch.
Government Support and Funding
The support from the Provincial Government, amounting to $146,531, is a crucial step in Aera’s growth journey. This funding will assist in the development and marketing of the Victory appliance, enabling the company to scale its operations and reach more customers. Additionally, Aera is receiving advisory services and research funding from the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), further bolstering its efforts to innovate in the smart farming sector.
Conclusion
The announcement of support for Aera Agriculture marks a significant milestone in the advancement of smart farming technologies in the region. With the backing of the Provincial Government and the commitment from local restaurants, Aera is poised to make a substantial impact on the local food production landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient approach to agriculture.
Sources
Provincial government announces support for smart farming appliance – NTV, NTV – Canada's Superstation.
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