Urban Barns Sponsored Research Awarded Grant at McGill University on LED Plant Growth System
21 February 2014 - 11:24AM
Urban Barns Foods Inc. (OTCQB:URBF) ("Urban Barns") is pleased to
announce that it has expanded its collaboration with McGill
University researcher Dr. Mark Lefsrud, of the Faculty of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, to further develop an
indoor plant growth system aimed at expanding locally grown food.
With industrial support from Urban Barns, McGill University was
recently awarded an NSERC Collaborative Research & Development
(CRD) grant in the amount of $240,000 in order to continue the
development of this important project. The grant will run for an
initial period of two years with the aim of optimizing light
emitting diodes to assess photosynthetic efficiency of
horticultural plants. The project is focused on the refinement of
the photosynthetically active radiation efficiency (PAR curve) of
plants using light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the basic science
research will be used to optimize the lighting in the cubic farming
system of Urban Barns to maximize production and reduce energy
costs.
Dr. Mark Lefsrud is the principal investigator and team leader
with expertise on the use of LED lighting in greenhouse
environments and will apply his expertise to the fully controlled
growing environment designed by Urban Barns. The research team
includes Dr. Valerie Gravel, Assistant Professor in Plant Science,
and will also include up to 10 graduates, undergraduates and
research technicians over the two years of the grant, with
expertise split between the engineering and horticultural needs of
the project. The team will perform research on methods and
technologies to grow food and other plants in a more
energy-efficient manner while also attempting to improve the
nutritional value of the food grown.
"Ultimately, the cubic farming systemTM will be adapted to have
optimal irradiance and wavelength control for the range of crops
that can be grown in this system. We believe that by properly
selecting LED lamps we can achieve energy savings of up to 30%,"
said Dr. Lefsrud.
Urban Barns expects to deliver four new cubic farmingTM machines
to the Macdonald Campus of McGill University by March 2014. The
initial testing of the machines according to the agreed upon
protocols is expected to start by the end of April 2014.
About Urban Barns Foods Inc.
Urban Barns uses patent pending proprietary cubic farmingTM
equipment to produce affordable vegetables in a secure and
controlled indoor environment. By setting up subsidiary facilities
and growing locally, Urban Barns can focus on supplying any
community, irrespective of the regional climate, effectively
reducing shipping times and related spoilage costs. Urban Barns
plans to scale and cater to the demands of all major communities.
The company's commitment to its consumers is reflected through its
motto, "Purely Fresh, Naturally Tasty, and Completely Healthy".
About Dundee Agricultural Corporation
Dundee Agricultural Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Dundee Corporation, holds a 38.97% interest in Urban Barns.
Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent holding
company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol
"DC.A." Through its operating subsidiaries, Dundee Corporation is
engaged in diverse business activities in the areas of its core
competencies including investment advisory and corporate finance,
energy, resources, agriculture, real estate and infrastructure.
Dundee Corporation also holds, directly and indirectly, a portfolio
of investments mostly in these core focus areas, as well as other
select investments in both publicly listed and private
companies.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters
set forth above may include forward- looking statements that
involve certain risks and uncertainties. Words such as "may",
"could", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend",
"plan" and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the
current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to management. Actual results could
differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking
statements. Urban Barns does not undertake any obligation to update
any forward-looking statements and cautions investors to consider
all other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in
Urban Barns' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
CONTACT: Mr. Richard Groome
President and CEO
Urban Barns Foods Inc.
Tel: 514 907 4989
rgroome@urbanbarns.com
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