Greenhouse growing lettuce on Montana First Nation [Video]

You wouldn’t think the nondescript industrial buildings on Montana First Nation are home to anything unusual. But inside, a complex, modern farming operation is underway using “hydroponic” technology.

“Hydroponics is the production of vegetables without soil,” says Jordan Gerein, manager of the Greenhouse. “It uses water (to) replace the soil, and nutrients are in the water. The plants are taking nutrients through the root system (from) the water.”

The plants sit in Styrofoam “growing rafts” that hold the plants in place while they float on the water. The process uses 90 per cent less water than traditional farming, and eliminates the use of pesticides.

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Gerein says the greenhouse can produce 3,000 heads of lettuce per week.

Akamihk Fresh is the brainchild of the Montana First Nation, made possible with a grant from the provincial government. …