Greenhouse on Nipissing First Nation will help address lettuce shortage
Nipissing First Nation is eagerly awaiting the launch of a new greenhouse project.
The Mnogin Greenhouse, located on Jocko Point Road, will be open next year and will grow lettuce and other leafy greens.
The trailers are in place. All they need is the hydro and water connection and it will be open for business.
"Things are moving along as quickly as they can. I have a meeting with hydro next week and hoping to get a timeline," said Gen Couchie, Nipissing First Nation's business operations manager.
This project has been in the works for about six years. Three trailers will used to grow produce, while a fourth will be used for packaging and distribution.
The growth cycle rotation takes approximately 4-6 weeks. It's estimated the greenhouse will grow 15,000 kg of lettuce, herbs and other leafy greens annually.
"So we'll actually be able to push out 75,000 heads of lettuce per container," said greenhouse manager Mackenzie Jones.
"So that's about 225,000 heads of lettuce."
The greenhouse is hydroponic, which will allow the products to grow at a much faster rate. Chief Scott McLeod sees the project's potential as a training tool for other northern Ontario First Nations looking to address food insecurity.
"That requires cost-effective access to vegetables and healthy food products," he said.
"Coming out of COVID, we saw the prices and the effects of recession on accessing healthy food choices."
With a current shortage of lettuce in grocery stores and restaurants, the venture is seen as a big opportunity to supply local businesses needing the greens.
"We have a number of programs that would benefit from this including a diner's club, good food boxes, a nutritionist on staff and the distribution to restaurants," said Couchie.
The greenhouse will create two new jobs. If the project grows, more hands will be needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.