Guelph, Ont.- and Bible Hill, NS-based vertical farming startup GoodLeaf Farms has inked a $2.5 million deal with data analytics firm Adastra to develop an artificial intelligence system for determining optimal growing conditions for plants.

The project will be worth about $2.5 million, with Scale AI — the Montreal-based and federally backed supercluster which partners with the private sector to fund research and development in a manner similar to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster — kicking in $1 million.

GoodLeaf, a subsidiary of TruLeaf, uses high-tech indoor farms to grow microgreens, such as micro radishes and baby spinach. Its process relies on LED lights designed to mimic sunlight, as well as sophisticated climate control systems. TruLeaf was founded by former CEO Gregg Curwin, with frozen food giant McCain Foods now its largest shareholder.

In a press release, GoodLeaf said it expects the AI system to increase crop yields at its facilities in Guelph and Truro, NS. Work on vertical farms in Calgary and Quebec is also under way.

“Innovation and technology are at the heart of vertical farming, and we are always looking to take the next step that will help us grow more and better food,” said GoodLeaf CEO Barry Murchie in the release.

“Data science and technology are the next step, enabling GoodLeaf to continue to be a leader in pushing innovation in agriculture.” 

GoodLeaf has previously said its goal is to become the largest vertical farm operator in North America. Last February, McCain invested an additional $30 million in GoodLeaf, building on shares it purchased several years previously for a total $65 million stake.

Adastra, meanwhile, was founded in 1995 and is based in Toronto. Its employees number in the four figures.