Meet NuLeaf Farms: Winner of the 2024 ENMAX Amplifier Fund

In the face of mounting challenges posed by climate change and global population growth, local organization NuLeaf Farms emerges as a trailblazer in shaping a sustainable food landscape for the future.

The recipient of the ENMAX Amplifier Fund recipient of 2024, presented by ENMAX and the Calgary Chamber, NuLeaf Farms is a family-owned business that designs, builds and supports sustainable indoor farming. With a wide range of flexible solutions, NuLeaf combines both technology and plant science to not only increase operational sustainability, but to produce safe and reliable food. With indoor and vertical farming changing the face of agriculture, NuLeaf utilizes their technology to make healthy, locally grown foods accessible communities across Canada.

A Need for Sustainable Agriculture

Founded in 2016 by Ryan Wright, Paul Wright and Dan Clayholt, NuLeaf Farms originated from a shared aspiration to address urgent concerns like food insecurity and the sustainability of agricultural methods. Recognizing the strain on global resources, particularly freshwater and habitable land, Ryan Wright and his team set out to revolutionize the way food is produced and distributed.

With a growing global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2058, NuLeaf was eager to create a solution utilizing their experience in engineering, project management and technical industry experience. By leveraging this, NuLeaf was well-equipped to develop solutions in the agriculture space and find new ways to transfer knowledge to farmers.

Considering that food production occupies 50% of habitable land and consumes nearly 70% of freshwater daily, Ryan explains that a major concern today is how climate change is impacting agriculture.

“Alberta has 42% of all the cattle in the country,” he says, “and unfortunately, because of the drought, there’s a lack of feed which is leading to calling of these herds, which we’re right now quickly approaching 1950 levels of inventory.”

Having recently developed a cost-effective feed system to aid Alberta farmers battling severe drought conditions, NuLeaf was able to help local farmers reduce their water usage and production costs.

“We’re really making an impact helping farmers withstand the current climate challenges that they’re dealing with, helping them save some business and making sure that Alberta’s agriculture and beef industry stays intact.”

In addition to the cattle industry, NuLeaf has been able to provide solutions for an even larger demographic, including a wide range of local communities, from seniors’ centres and food banks to remote First Nations communities and schools.

“We bring the technologies in, we test them, then we actually run small business models similar to what our clients will run out of this facility,” says Ryan. “While we certainly tackle food, which is one of the many areas that need to be fixed, it keeps me motivated that we’re actually providing real solutions.”

Winner of the 2024 ENMAX Amplifier Fund

NuLeaf Farms' commitment and unique approach to innovation and sustainability recently earned them the 2024 ENMAX Amplifier Fund. With the fund recognizing individuals or businesses demonstrating both innovation and leadership, Ryan saw this as an opportunity to bring more awareness to their unique business model and expand their efforts in research and development.

"We're thrilled to be the recipients of the ENMAX Amplifier Fund,” says Ryan. “This initiative provides optimism to small businesses and enables us to further our mission of bringing agricultural education to schools.”

With indoor and vertical farming beginning to change the face of agriculture, NuLeaf looks forward to continuing their work in not only reducing dependence on complex supply chains, but empowering consumers and farmers to benefit from optimized production and increased quality.

“We develop economic engines for new entrepreneurs and that’s probably the single, most rewarding part—the more we can grow, the better off we all are,” he says.

Building a Sustainable Future

As Ryan looks to the future, he remains optimistic that NuLeaf will soon begin growing their team, expanding operations and furthering their growth and impact.

Following their success in developing various system applications, Ryan also notes the importance of NuLeaf utilizing their ENMAX Amplifier funding to invest in inspiring the next generation of innovators and environmental stewards.

"We're really trying to open young people’s eyes to the exciting opportunities in the agriculture industry. So far, the response from students has been fantastic.”

In addition to work facilitated with numerous school districts, NuLeaf Farms is also actively involved in supporting food banks through their indoor farm projects, leading to decreased costs and increased efficiency in supplying fresh food to communities in need.

“Now we can produce fresh food with a little more dignity to it while increasing the nutritional density that these people are getting. People in most need of quality fresh food are those on the low side of the economic scale, and this is a way we can continue to help them through these times.”

In a world grappling with the complexities of food security and environmental sustainability, NuLeaf Farms stands as a shining example of how innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability can pave the way for a brighter future.

For more information about NuLeaf Farms, visit nuleaffarms.ca.