Greenhouses designed for Mars could benefit the North
New generation greenhouses could make it possible to grow fresh fruit year-round
CBC News
Posted: Dec 27, 2012 11:14 AM ET
Last Updated: Dec 27, 2012 11:58 AM ET
The North may benefit from a new generation of greenhouses designed to grow produce on the moon and Mars.
Though designed for space, the greenhouses could make it possible to grow fresh fruit and vegetables year-round in remote northern communities.
The greenhouses don't have soil and use high efficiency LED lights that mimic the sun's rays.
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency is contributing $270,000 to study the feasibility of the project..
Its regional director, Kevin Lewis, says it’s an opportunity to support and develop the agricultural sector.
The greenhouses will be built in the Northwest Territories. Though the projects' developers have not chosen the exact locations, they say vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms will be grown.
The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed in May. The next step is to build a prototype greenhouse.
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