GoodLeaf marks milestone at Montreal indoor vertical farm

GoodLeaf Farms has planted the first test crops at its new 96,000 square-foot facility in Montreal.

The indoor vertical farming company is slated to begin full product in Quebec and Eastern Canada early this year.

Once fully operational, GoodLeaf’s Montreal farm will produce more than two million pounds of fresh, local leafy greens each year, with an expected 40 annual harvests of microgreens and 20 annual harvests of baby greens. 

“This is a significant milestone for GoodLeaf Farms as we build a truly national footprint of indoor vertical farms that provide fresh and local leafy greens that are typically imported to Canada,” said Barry Murchie, president and CEO of GoodLeaf Farms, in a statement. “As import replacement products, the foods we are providing are critical to our food security and sovereignty. We are excited to begin ramping up production in Montreal to serve markets in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.”  

GoodLeaf Farms grows Micro Radish, Micro Arugula, Micro Broccoli, Micro Asian Blend, Pea Shoots, Spicy Mustard Medley, Baby Spinach, Baby Arugula and Crisp Lettuce, as well as a variety of blends such as Sweet & Spicy Mix, Four Seasons Mix and Crisp Spring Mix.  

The Montreal farm is GoodLeaf’s third Canadian location after its flagship commercial-scale farm in Guelph, Ont., and a facility in Calgary that began commercial production in fall 2023.  

GoodLeaf’s Montreal operation will create about 70 skilled and hourly job opportunities in the city. The design will be expandable, allowing a future expansion to double its size, GoodLeaf said.