"This week, first plants were successfully placed in the cultivation cells of the new, high-tech facility of Q-Farms from Veendam," Robert Verkade, project manager at Certhon, says of the project at the company participating in the Experiment Closed Coffee Shop Chain. Q-Farms is one of the ten authorized growers. The start of cultivation marks the start of an innovative production environment, where technological innovations and system efficiency go hand in hand, according to the Poeldijk-based technology provider.
A state-of-the-art cultivation site
"For Q-Farms, we designed and built a complete two-storey cultivation site on an area of almost 1 hectare," explains Verkade. "This location is a model of innovation and ingenuity, two core values of Certhon."
The facility is completely gas-free and equipped with four energy-efficient heat pumps. In addition, the facility is equipped with two technical water rooms. In the closed water system, both condensation and drain water are collected and reused, ensuring much lower water consumption compared to regular growing methods.
"Thanks to our advanced Certhon Control System, we can create the perfect climate conditions in each growing room individually," continues Verkade. "This not only enables more efficient and flexible cultivation, but also contributes to a more sustainable use of water, and nutrients and is completely pesticide-free."
A safe and innovative approach
The cultivation facility is a completely closed system. "The air supply and return is carefully filtered," explains Verkade. "Air exchange takes place in the cells, where filtered outside air is introduced and the cell air is first filtered, after which it is blown back outside. This ensures not only controlled and efficient cultivation, but also minimal impact on the environment."
An important milestone
This week, Certhon celebrated an important milestone: the first plants were successfully placed in the cultivation cells. By the end of week 3, the first four cells were fully operational, Verkade proudly says. "Although work is still ongoing to fully complete the project, we have already laid a solid foundation for a successful future."
For more information:
Certhon
[email protected]
www.certhon.com