LED Lighting to improve greenhouse crop yield

The federal government is paying $1.3 million to GE Lighting Solutions Canada Company to develop LED lighting for Canadian greenhouses. The lighting systems will help reduce greenhouse energy costs, while boosting crop yield and making year-round production possible through lower operating costs.

GE Lighting will work with McGill University to develop the LED lighting system, which will then be tested at Portneuf, Que.-based Serres du St-Laurent Inc., the producer of Savoura brand tomatoes.

It’s hoped that the energy efficient LED lighting will allow growers to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. “Past studies have also shown that plants react better to certain wavelengths, and this new LED system is expected to increase crop quality and yield,” said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), in making the announcement.

Blackburn added that the technology will help greenhouse operators expand their businesses through new market opportunities, while contributing to the sustainability of the sector.

Funding for the project comes from the Developing Innovative Agri-Products initiative, and is delivered through the Growing Forward framework of the Agri-Innovations program.