“Our system and vertical farming can work well in Mexico because they use very little water and other resources compared to traditional farming methods. The lack of access to fresh food attracts local communities. And then there is still the social impact. , because while providing food security to low-income communities They can be a good source of income,” says Jessica Gomes, founder and CEO of Origeen, a horticultural technology company in Mexico.
Jessica Gomes Indoor AgTech
Potentially in Latin America
Jessica hopes Latin America will adopt systems like Origeen to increase year-round yields with less resource use and water waste. But more importantly, such systems can become part of strategies for building food security.
“Food security is a problem in Latin America. Most low-income communities don’t have access to fresh food. With vertical farming, this can change, especially with innovations like our system that can be installed almost anywhere. I’d like to see Latin America grow food more sustainably. Vertical farming And this is possible through greenhouse cultivation.”
System in hybrid system in greenhouse.
Modular and scalable
Jessica explains that there is very little information about indoor cultivation and vertical farming in Mexico. Karla García from HortAmericas has provided the latest insights on R&D with the Origeen team over the past three years.
“We started a medium-scale project here with the government. Since then we’ve joined several initiatives from small to large scale. Mexico really surprised me. Many people are interested in these cultivation solutions. Considering the modularity and scalability, the system is ideal for use in a hybrid system. You can use AI and We just need to add lighting. If we think about the greenhouse setup, we can make walls 4 meters high on both sides and as wide and long as the customer wants.”
Although the system is labor intensive, depending on the scale, there are plenty of ways to automate projects. “We have different methods and work with other companies in the area, depending on how automated the customer wants to be in their cultivation.”
DIY dish
Initially, Origin started with green walls, but later the company decided to build walls that could grow edible leafy vegetables. “Working with cultivation technicians, we’ve learned that our systems are truly versatile.”
Using recyclable plastic, DIY grow walls allow home or commercial growers to purchase affordable systems combined with hydroponics and drip irrigation. In terms of modularity, the system is a bit more labor intensive. So far, the following vegetables have already been grown in the system: leafy vegetables, greens, cilantro and parsley.
Partnerships
Origeen is currently working on a project with a grower in Mexico who wants to install a full column so they can grow the hybrid. Origeen distributes worldwide and is now working on a large tank suitable for strawberry cultivation on a commercial scale.
Apart from all ‘-ponic’ cultivation methods, conventional soil and substrate can be used in pots for strawberry cultivation. “We have carried out trials with the customer with strawberry cultivars, which are now being evaluated. Additional trials will be carried out later, and more pot and cultivation wall designs can be used to achieve better results.”
to expand
Jessica reveals that Origin wants to participate in more projects. But only with the support of investors, the operation can be taken to the next level. “We are looking for an investor with the same vision as us. We can try other types with payment and do more research and development.”
For more information:
Jessica Gomez (Founder and CEO)
appearance
Phone: +52 477 260 9263 (Mexico)
[email protected]
www.origeen.com.mx
