A team from the University of Manitoba is working with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba to improve the community’s access to fresh and nutritious food by growing food locally. Together, they have found a smart solution called Smart Vertical Farming.

Smart Vertical Farming uses technology to control light and temperature to grow fresh herbs and vegetables throughout the year. With this, they help the community have a steady supply of fresh food and reduce the need to buy expensive food from far away. This community-led initiative was launched in response to the rising food prices, lack of healthy food, and increasing health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The initiative was led by the indigenous communities themselves, respecting their rights and choices.

This approach has helped one successful, community-led project make a real difference, as fresh produce is often shared with the community members of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Smart Vertical Farming enables locals to grow fresh vegetables and herbs all year long and helps the community get healthy food, depend less on expensive deliveries, and create new tech-based jobs.

You can learn more about how UM research is delivering real-world solutions here.