ZipGrow Inc. Magazine - 2023 edition

Meet the modern day Meet the modern day farmers using farmers using ZipGrow’s ZipGrow’s technologies technologies

The ZipPod is The ZipPod is revolutionizing revolutionizing the container the container farm landscape farm landscape

How educators are How educators are using hydroponics using hydroponics for STEM for STEM curriculum curriculum

Truly vertical Truly vertical hydroponic hydroponic systems systems

The root of our The root of our success success

Since 2011, the ZipGrow Tower has served as the functional center of our systems – demonstrating success in our global network of growers across all skill levels and sizes of projects. ZipGrow has helped commercial growers, hobbyists, and educators grow their projects from an initial idea to produce healthy pesticide-free crops - indoors.

Letter From the Founder

With our scalable solutions and industry-leading support, there is no project too small or too large for us to bring to success. The landscape of businesses that succeed with ZipGrow technologies is varied, creative, and spans the globe. For those projects that need “special” attention, our team has helped entrepreneurs and organizations custom-design their indoor farms to suit their needs. With food insecurity on the rise, we believe that ZipGrow and the modernday farmers we support are addressing a global problem at a local level.

We are continually growing too; whether that be new crop trials in our research & development facilities or new products to expand solutions, we continue to challenge what is possible with our scalable technologies. In the past year alone, we developed two new product lines, the ZipGarden and the ZipPod, to further support a variety of growers; you can learn more about them in this brochure.

In the fall of 2022 we signed the industry’s first Vertical Farming Manifesto in Brussels, along with over 20

other leading global ag-tech companies to commit to joint contributions to a sustainable transformation of global food systems.

We are proud to continue to offer education and training opportunities so that ZipGrowers can reach their potential and bring their goals – large or small – to fruition.

We are a community of growers, come and join us!

Eric Lang

At ZipGrow, we believe that through innovation, research, and partnerships, we can make a difference by supporting sustainable food production at a local level, meeting the needs of all individuals.

We are proud to “grow farmers” with hydroponics.

In 2016, our flagship ZipGrow™ Tower, the most effective vertical hydroponic growth system on the planet gave us our start. The Towers are the building blocks for our products that provide an agriculture technology product with ethical, social, health, and practical benefits.

Since then, our portfolio of hydroponic systems has been growing steadily, providing technologies and support to individuals, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, educators, and research facilities.

As a full support company, ZipGrowers are backed by the support of in-house master growers, engineers, and an extensive offering of hydroponic education.

Our Vision

ZipGrow’s vision of a better future is a world with a global community who all have equal access to exceptional quality food that is both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Our Mission

ZipGrow’s mission is to design and manufacture the most economically viable, resource-efficient, and productive hydroponic equipment possible while educating and supporting the ZipGrow farming community.

The Food Problems

We Are Facing

Food security is an issue that affects people all over the world. It’s estimated that by 2050, the demand for food will be 60% greater than it is today. This is due to population growth and increasing issues with supply chains and product lines.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) refers to food security as “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” but in 2020, almost 14 million households—10.5 percent of the U.S. population—did not have enough food to meet their needs.

1682 Miles

Produce in North America travels on average 1682 miles to get from farm to the consumer.

60%

Produce experiences a 60 percent reduction in nutrition in the first 10 days after harvest.

670 Million

Projections are that nearly 670 million people will be facing hunger by 2030. That’s 8% of the world’s population.

1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted due to spoilage alone.

33%

16 Days

It takes on average 16 days for produce to be consumed after harvest.

The Good News

Governments, policymakers, nonprofits, and communities are starting to pay attention to the value that alternative solutions such as Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) can bring to the landscape of food security.

At ZipGrow, we are doing our part to improve food security worldwide, reconnecting people with what they eat while limiting environmental impact.

Power of The Tower

ZipGrow™ Towers are the product of seven years of research on highly productive vertical farming techniques at the University of Wyoming by Dr. Nate Storey. The technology works equally well in aquaponic systems and is specially designed for highdensity hydroponic farming. It’s at the core of all of ZipGrow™ technologies. A simple drip emitter directs hydroponic solution into the top of the Tower. The water then trickles down through the media and back into the reservoir.

The single-sided, lightweight design of ZipGrow™ Towers ensures maximum yields in small spaces; growers also enjoy just how easy they are to move, making maintenance, pest control, and Tower transport a breeze.

The housing is PVC; it squeezes the media nice and tight and holds it in place when you move the Tower around.

Matrix Media™ is durable and made from recycled water bottles; it comes in long strips folded and pulled into the housing. The lightweight media holds roots steady for optimum growth.

The wicking strip is a piece of reusable polyester felt sandwiched inside the matrix media. It guides nutrient solution through the rootzone, ensuring that each plug is watered sufficiently. After each growth cycle, the wicking strip is removed, cleaned, and reinstalled for the next growing period.

Designed to last a lifetime, we’re so sure of their quality that the Tower housing is guaranteed for 20 years.

By growing up instead of out, Towers can double or even triple production over other hydroponic methods.

Designed

With You in MIND

With the Tower at the core, each ZipGrow system is designed with purpose for you; from beginner hobbyists to profitable commercial farms, we have simplified hydroponic growing.

Maximize your harvest

Growing in a truly vertical system ensures that you maximize cubic space for bigger crop yields.

Scalable & modular

Particularly important for commercial growers, the modular racks allow farmers to start their business on a smaller scale and grow up sustainably as volume demand increases.

Lightweight

ZipGrow™ Towers are light and easy to move, rearrange, harvest, or transport, making the entire growing process seamless.

Less labor intensive

Planting and harvesting is so simple that even a kindergarten student can do it, and they do. No additional equipment, such as scissor lifts required.

Long Lasting

Our ZipGrow™ Towers are built tough to last a lifetime; we're so sure of their quality that the Tower housing is guaranteed for 20 years!

The Future of Food is Vertically Here

No Harmful Chemicals

The controlled indoor environment allows us to grow pesticide-free and organic crops.

Food Desert Solution

Hydroponic farming enables food to grow locally in what would typically be food desert locations.

Higher Crop Yields

Growing on a truly vertical plan, produces more crops within your square footage.

Water Saving

Produce crops with 70% to 95% less water than required for normal cultivation, since the water is reused or re-circulated

Less Vulnerable

An indoor vertical farm can have a more consistent crop yield since there are fewer adverse effects of the weather.

The ZipGrow Family of Tower Systems

ZipGarden

• Indoor gardening Simplified - designed for people with little or no hydroponic growing experience.

• Small footprint- big production- harvest the equivalent of a 100 sq foot garden in the convenience of your home.

• Suitable for homes, offices and schools.

ZipPod

• Full Turnkey solution farm for quick start production of fresh greens.

• From urban to extreme remote. Grow food anywhere, any climate.

• Purpose built container with advanced equipment for controlled environment agriculture.

• Suited for small business, research facilities and non profit agencies.

ZipFarm

Scalable, modular and engineered for your indoor farming business. Our skilled team custom-designs and installs each ZipFarm™ to match your indoor growing space.

Big crop yields lead to healthy profits Optional on-site training by a master grower.

No complex machinery or expensive maintenance.

Farm Wall

• Grow indoors or out

• Our most affordable complete hydroponic systems

• Available in various height and width options

• Perfect for pilot projects & market testing

Greenhouse

• Take full advantage of natural daylight when you grow truly vertically

• Connect multiple racks together fed by a central plumbing system

• Fully equip your greenhouse or integrate ZipGrow Towers with your existing setup.

What You Can Grow*

*This is just an example of some of the crops you can grow in a ZipGrow Tower. From germination to 1st harvest. Based on crop trials in our research facilities.

Green Onions

7 weeks

Cilantro

7-9 weeks

Tomatoes

6-8 weeks

Peppers

From 11 weeks

Mint

6-7 weeks

Fruiting Crops

Rootstock to 1st Harvest

Strawberries

6 weeks

We Grow Farmers

Commercial Growers

Each ZipGrow farmer has their own story to tell. They come from diverse backgrounds, live in different regions around the globe and have varying levels of experience. However, they have one thing in common; they provide food security to the communities they serve. A spotlight on some of the ZipGrow farms from around the world.

Yellow Hammer Farms

Alabama, USA

A warehouse ZipFarm business predominantly serving restaurants and grocery stores. They are 90% wholesale focussed, but also open their doors to community involvement and B2C sales.

www.yhfarms.com

Farm Urban

Liverpool, England

Born in 2013, they operate an underground farm and have installed small scale urban farms across the city of Liverpool. They engage citizens to grow produce through innovative community programs. They partner with councils, local authorities and educational centres.

www.farmurban.co.uk

Farm Girl Greens

A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm at their homestead which provides fresh farm-to-fork quality food directly to customers. A B2C model where they are scaling up as customer demand increases.

www.farmgirlgreens.com

PinkFarm by lokal365

St.Gallen, Switzerland

Produces essences from crops grown in the ZipFarm to make water-based favored solutions for drinking water. They provide a pure product that is grown, harvested, manufactured, and sold all from the same facility with full transparency to their methods.

www.pinkfarm.ch

Around the Bend Farms

Oregon, USA

A non-profit organization that is working to build an urban agricultural community. Removing barriers for those who have little or no access to affordable healthy fresh and nutritious produce.

www.aroundthebendfarms.org

Agrician

Fo Tan, Hong Kong

Operates a vertical farm with ZipGrow Tower hydroponic systems in a repurposed warehouse in an urban area. They are reducing food miles and selling produce direct-to-consumer via subscription boxes in a region that is challenged with food insecurity.

www.agrician.com

Research & Development

The Root of Our Success

We’re fortunate to have three dedicated research and development facilities, a ZipPod container farm, a 3000sq foot indoor ZipFarm in a controlled environment and a 2000sq foot greenhouse operation. We heavily invest in Research & Development (R&D) to benefit our farmers around the world, everyday growers, and ongoing innovation.

R&D provides insights that lead to improvements on existing processes and workflow in controlled environment agriculture. It also allows for the exploration of opportunities to reduce operating expenses and optimize cropspecific yield production.

Pioneering research

CEA goes beyond leafy greens! As businesses and organizations look for crop diversity and to offer a wide range of fresh produce to their customer base, ZipGrow is at the forefront of hydroponic research to test what is possible and viable.

The grow team tracks and records data trends on new systems, technologies, and species of plants.

Most ZipGrow farmers are busy operating their farming business. They don’t have the time or the resources to trial new products for financial gain.

The data and research at ZipGrow aids their decisions on what to grow and what is achievable and profitable.

“ Our job is to break the farms, so that customers don’t have to.

-Angus David, Research Grower

IN HOUSE INNOVATION

On any given day the engineering department could be working on a rendering or re-design for a commercial hydroponic farm build, or they could be modeling and 3D printing a new product in development.

Specs and tech

When we work with clients on their farm build whether greenhouse or an indoor space, it’s never one size fits all. Our engineering team works closely with them to reconfigure design plans, making the most optimal use of space within the building, while also taking into consideration HVAC, electrical and plumbing.

Whether you are building a small or large scale controlled environment agricultural business there are core applications that need to be considered, such as layout and workflow. ZipGrow guides the new farmer through these steps from the offset, all the way through to the farm build where members of the engineering team are on site.

Designed and engineered by growers, for growers

In an effort to bring cutting edge hydroponic technology into homes, schools and community spaces we have grown our portfolio of products to match the user. With new innovations like the ZipGarden and ZipPod we developed prototypes with many iterations along the way, then tweaked and defined until we have a product that we know will be efficient, user friendly and productive.

Supported by our incredible partners and inspired by our customers, we are proud of the systems that help bring individuals and communities one step closer to food security.

The Queen Bee of Turnkey

Think outside the box and grow in it. The ZipPod is the latest innovation from ZipGrow, developed in-house to provide modernday farmers, entrepreneurs and non profit organizations with a fast and reliable community solution to food security.

We’re shortening the miles from farm to fork in urban areas and far remote plains.

At ZipGrow we believe that intent informs design; when engineers design a product it should be created for the specific outcome you want to achieve.

The ZipPod was specifically built for the task of growing lush healthy plants, it was designed to grow food fast in an environment that prioritizes plant health AND human health.

It boasts extremely space-efficient equipment including the most advanced HVAC unit in the world (also purpose-built for CEA) and specialized plumbing that allows growers to target specific rows for flushing and irrigation.

We hesitate to call it a container as technically it’s a composite-steel customizedprefabricated building, but try saying that 3 times fast! So we’ll stick with purposebuilt container. Its purpose: to increase food security to local communities by delivering perfect produce all year-round.

From electrical to Co2 monitoring to reverse osmosis, ZipGrow controls every part of the build from the first nut and bolt to the final loading on the truck, giving us maximum control over quality, providing you with a product built for longevity.

Size matters

Traditional container farms are up to 320sq ft (3040 cubic ft) in size. The ZipPod was built supersized! It’s designed to maximize usable

just for plants that you’ll want to have a space with workability in mind. Plants, as efficient as they may grow (especially in a Tower system), still need people, so you want that space to be as humane and comfortable as possible. Working inside an environment that is tight and narrow doesn’t always feel awesome.

The ZipPod is a turnkey solution that prioritizes people and their working environment. We understand that mental health is a key factor to longevity in the workplace and have designed the space to allow for employees to maneuver around aisles easily and work day after day with equipment and surroundings that they feel positive about.

The ZipPod was planned and designed around years of exploration, challenging the innovation of container farms to be bigger, better, and bolder. Providing commercial farmers (new and experienced) with a system that grows food where and when you need it.

space and the larger 40’ (L) x 10’ (H) x 10’ (W) container provides an additional 1500 cubic ft. That extra space amplifies growing space and also allows for taller stature crops to be grown but more importantly, it increases air circulation, one of the most critical optimizations for producing quality crop yields.

Let there be light

The LED lighting in the ZipPod offers relatively low heat output, longevity, and controlled timer settings, custom-built to our specifications. Our plants thrive in these optimized setting; it’s the same technology that our ZipFarm™ growers know and love. Did we mention size matters? And it’s not

Growing Food and Minds

Hydroponics for classrooms

Classroom gardens help introduce and integrate STEM learning into the curriculum, a framework for teaching across the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

ZipGrow systems for students and teachers include the Farm Wall (in various sizes), the Education Rack (mobile) and the ZipGarden (compact and simple). All are powered by ZipGrow’s patented Tower technology.

These plug and play hydroponic units are an inclusive way for youth to participate in projects encouraging them to think outside the box and preparing them for problem-solving. Students benefit from curricular connections, including quantifying data, food drives, sustainability, cooking & hospitality and economics.

Provide hands-on teachings for big-picture learning with hydroponic systems

Students at Char-Lan District High School use the ZipGrow Education Rack system to grow food hydroponically as part of their sustainability program.

“It’s perfect because we can grow a wide variety of crops, and the fact that it’s on wheels makes it very convenient to move from one room to another to put on display for special events.”

Many of the schools who grow fresh produce also give back to their communities, donating to food pantries and shelters, or using the harvest to host fundraisers.

Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.

- Heather Grant, educator at Char-Lan District High School

At ZipGrow Inc., we know that lots of educators and student/parent councils are excited about the possibility of implementing soil-less science into their schools. The good news is that there is a recognized skills gap in North America in the area of STEM and we are seeing an increase in funding opportunities for educators.

NEW in 2023!

The ZipGarden for educators now comes with the added bonus of a complete curriculum and storybook for primary grade teachers.

It’s the perfect way to introduce soilless growing to young learners.

“Zipgrow Gardens offer real life learning within the classroom walls and allowed our youngest learners to share their knowledge with other classes and their families”

“Having a dependable system allows students to develop skills and see progress until some of those student lead questions are drawn out. At that point, hydroponics is so versatile that it can evolve with student interest and understanding.”

- Mrs.Rose MacCulloch, Williamstown Public School, Ontario

- Cole Hintz, Strathmore High School, Alberta

From Seed to Succeed

We have extensive training and education for all types of growers.

Our comprehensive library of free videos on YouTube guides you through tips, tricks, fundamentals, and more complex troubleshooting for hydroponics and aquaponics. With over 158K subscribers, we are one of the world’s leading resources on soilless growing education.

Serious about starting a farming venture?

Whether you are starting an indoor farm or hydroponic greenhouse operation, we offer several in-person training packages that can be tailored to your needs at our facilities in Ontario. We can also send a master grower to your location. This hands-on experience covers day to day operations, planting, harvesting, workflow and troubleshooting.

Stay in the know as you grow with our monthly newsletters, Facebook group, social media posts, and active blogs.

“Everyone at ZipGrow has been an amazing support to help the process to educate, it’s almost like a family community.”

- Davis Breedlove, Co-Founder Farm & Market, Denver, Colorado

The Best Start is

UpStart

ZipGrow offers modern farm education through UpStart University a purpose built platform, built to help growers navigate the hurdles and gain skills to produce fresh healthy food fast and sell for profit with less stress.

“It’s the best $10 you’re going to spend if you’re getting into vertical farming. It’s broken down nicely. It’s not super hard concept-wise. It covers everything from starting your business to the legal side. It also gets into nutrients and botanics ...all of the chemistry is covered, I can’t say enough good things about it.”

This 24/7 platform allows you to go at your own pace and fit the learning around everyday life.

From the basics through to the business and economics of operating a productive working farm, UpStart University is the perfect tool for anyone considering climate controlled growing as a business.

-Randall Rhyne, Founder CraftGrown Farms, Willmingston, North Carolina

Growing next-gen indoor farmers through hands-on CEA education

Those working in the commercial CEA industry require some knowledge of chemistry, engineering, plant pathology, and physiology, as well as foundations in hydroponic growing.

Rising populations and lack of access to arable land are other major driving factors for job growth within the CEA sector, but the ratio of training opportunities in hydroponics for business versus job availability is very limited. As the industry develops, it’s crucial that training opportunities and education are there to support it.

At ZipGrow Inc., we want to be part of the solution.

In the fall of 2022, ZipGrow partnered with St.Lawrence College to host a Controlled Environment Cultivation Program. Essentially a pilot course, this eightweek program provided both in-class and lab learning to students to prepare individuals for a career in indoor farms and greenhouses that produce food, cannabis, or ornamental crops.

“

One perspective I got from the course is that we are going back to our roots of growing our own food, just in a different way!

Adam Lariviere, Student graduate.

The curriculum included lessons on; Controlled Environment Crops, CEA Production Method, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Propagation, Nutrients, Fertilizers, Water Quality, business modeling, and more…

The course structure was split between in-class lessons at St.Lawrence College and ZipGrow Inc. HQ, instructed by a myriad of industry professionals from the Eastern Ontario region and ZipGrow Inc team experts.

It covered all types of hydroponics, including DWC, drip irrigation, and aquaponic systems.

We are open to further partnerships to help support the next generation of indoor farmers. Who is with us?

“

This is the most amazing class I have ever been in by far. The different teachers, experience levels and perspectives, and all the shared personal experiences made it really enjoyable.

Devin Walker, Student graduate.

Image credit- Adam Lariviere

Our ZipGrower Community is

Individuals and entrepreneurs are discovering the benefits of hydroponic growing and living walls through ZipGrow systems for greenhouse, home or DIY setups.

Tim and Debbie Spinks turned their home growing hobby into a small business venture at their homestead in Lake Havasu Arizona . They retrofitted a shipping container with ZipGrow Farm Walls and estimate they have approximately 350 plant sites within the container space.

“It’s the desert; it’s hot. The wind blows constantly, and here I am growing produce in the middle of this harsh desert climate. People love it.”

Brandon Miniman was so enthusiastic about his ZipGarden that he even started his own YouTube channel to document his experiences

“The ZipGarden gave me the space and flexibility to grow to my heart’s content. Within weeks I was growing a wide variety of lettuce and herbs, while simultaneously growing seedlings of warm weather crops like peppers and tomatoes.”

Jeff Bedar of Profound MicoFarms integrates ZipGrow Towers into his 2.6 acre farm operation which is a blend of indoor farming, greenhouse and traditional agriculture. The farm hosts farm to table dining events, showcasing the talents of local chefs and restaurateurs.They also use their facility to educate schools and local organizations on hydroponic methods and alternative solutions to localize food systems.

Lisa B is a home grower in South Florida, with no previous hydroponics experience she opted to purchase a ZipGarden unit, due to aesthetics that complement her home and the simplicity of use for beginners.

“Everyday that I look at my ZipGarden I feel healthier...then when I eat the food from my zipgrow tower I am healthier!”

When Jason Dvorak discovered that the quality of hydroponic produce was far superior to grocery store selections he invested in a Farm Wall for his kitchen.

Connect with other ZipGrowers in our Facebook group

It’s friendly, come join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/

“The yield is incredible with this method.”

We’ve partnered with the best!

We are proud to work with a range of partners who, like us, are passionate about building a better food system. From lighting specialists to suppliers of auxiliary equipment and nutrients, we value the reliability of our partners’ products, and so will you.

GROWFOAM®

Growing Advancements in Sustainable Substrates

Valued product and service partners

In 2022 we partnered with Netherlands based ag-tech innovator Growfoam who have developed the world’s first and only 100% biodegradable & circular foam substrate. The revolutionary foam-based substrates offer a multitude of eco-friendly benefits for hobbyists and commercial hydroponic growers alike. Produced from polymers and natural additives, with no microplastics or PFA’s, they are TUV Industrial Composting Certified, clean, and free of pathogens.

Financing Partners

At ZipGrow we have a deep sense of commitment to reducing environmental impact without sacrificing yields, revenues, or operating expenses of our farmers. Through this partnership with Growfoam® we can provide our customers and farmers with an optimal alternative solution to peat moss, without compromising performance.

Reseller of ZipGrow Tower products

Growing in a Tower

You are only limited by your imagination

St.John’s Wort at ZipGrow R&D

A significant amount of research at ZipGrow is discovery; testing what species can be grown vertically. This is our favorite kind of research to conduct and has helped us develop methods for growing unique vertical crops such as Aloe vera, Echinacea, Eggplants, Rhubarb, and Cauliflower! Though these are not always economically feasible to grow indoors, they pair well with our greenhouse systems. Our ZipGrower community grows some pretty cool stuff too!

Sunflowers @ZipGrow R&D

Radishes @MyFood

Aloe Vera at ZipGrow R&D

Green Beans @RootedAtHome

Cat nip @Agrician

Edelweiss @PinkFarm.ch

We’re completely committed to our vision; to our farmers, our community, and to being a catalyst for change.

At home, at work, for profit, for community we know that through our hydroponic technology and educational support we can help you grow a sustainable healthy food source, that’s consistent and delicious whoever you are, wherever you are whenever you need it.

The Down to Earth AgTech Company