To demonstrate the impact that applied research projects make on all Manitobans, we present RPI’s 20 Stories for 20 Years. A compilation showcasing successful partnerships from the past and the present, with a constant focus on the future.

Maximizing on the fertile grounds of expertise provided by the applied research network at Manitoba’s only polytechnic, a seedling of an idea has grown into a bountiful harvest of success for a small but ambitious group of local agricultural entrepreneurs.      

Dedicated to finding a sustainable option to bring fresh and nutritious produce to anyone, anywhere, Les Verts Living partnered with RRC Polytech to help develop a prototype of its innovative soil-free and pesticide-free hydroponic growing system that is now on the market.

What sets the Les Verts Terrace™ Pro apart is its impressive production capacity, exceptional quality produce, ease of use, and significant savings opportunities. The professional-grade equipment and nutrient regimes surpass the freshness and nutritional value of other indoor systems and what is typically found in grocery stores and promises a significant return on investment through reduced food waste and produce expenses.

“RRC Polytech helped us convert our vision of sustainable produce into a reality, and today our soil-free, pesticide-free and stress-free Les Verts Terrace™ Pro system empowers anyone anywhere to grow fresh, quality greens for their family, friends and local communities year-round with minimal effort and no prior growing experience,” said Andrew Vickerson, CEO of Les Verts Living.

In an era of constantly changing market demands, RRC Polytech offers its industry and community partners quick and affordable access to a vast array of technology, facilities and expertise that accelerates their ability to adapt and thrive. The College’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise can approach complex problems from multiple angles using a unique combination of experience and resources to expedite results.

The Les Verts project featured an internal collaboration between the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM), Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK), and Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC).  

“Through our technology, facilities and expertise, the College is uniquely positioned to bring these types of project ideas to life for our industry partners while training the workforce of tomorrow,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech, at the product launch celebration. “This project demonstrates the power of partnership and the value of applied research in propelling our province’s economy forward.” 

The relationship began over seven years ago when locally based entrepreneurs from Les Verts approached PRK to confirm chefs’ interest in the product and then were referred to TACAM for help with the electrical and mechanical components of their original design. The TACAM team worked with Les Verts staff to refine the unit’s unique combination of necessary pumps, motors, fans and lights while addressing tank orientation for optimum watering and drainage. Eventually they even created a control panel/interface to integrate all the systems together. BETAC was also consulted to analyze any humidity level changes caused by the system.

Now, the easy-to-use product is on the market encouraging even the greenest of gardeners to grow an abundance of the freshest, top-quality living produce available while saving money on their food expenses – and the partnership continues to evolve with PRK’s research team studying further development options through a follow-up project using a Les Verts Terrace™ Pro unit shared with the Paterson Globalfoods Institute (PGI).   

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership and offer students and researchers an opportunity to further explore indoor hydroponic gardening by providing Manitoba’s up-and-coming culinary minds with the highest quality produce to create their next showstopping dishes,” said Vickerson.

PRK is proud to build on the College’s reputation as a proven leader in innovation. A knowledgeable guide eager to collaborate with Canadian food producers, processors, manufacturers and culinary-based businesses at any stage – from start-up to established brand – to quickly and affordably navigate company-specific challenges, as demonstrated in their work with Les Verts.

“Rising food costs have increased the demand for locally grown, sustainable produce so offering chefs of all levels the ability to grow their own greens and herbs year-round has enormous appeal,” said Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen. “We’re excited to test the benefits of the Les Verts Terrace™ Pro unit in a restaurant setting and continue studying how we can optimize this technology while working with our partners to develop future products for commercial and home growers.”