Local greenhouse technology supports space travel

PEOPLE MAY NOT THINK of Canada’s Food University – the University of Guelph – as one of North America’s pre-eminent institutions linked to space.

But researchers in many labs on campus are highly regarded in such studies.

One of the most enduring examples of the university’s connection to space belongs to environmental sciences professor Mike Dixon, and his controlled environment systems research lab.

Dixon was a pioneer in greenhouse research – among the most practical and applied controlled environments on Earth – and went on to engage in studies designed to address astronauts’ need to grow their own food for extended space missions.

He’s become a world authority on food for space, and continues to blaze new frontiers in controlled environment crops, particularly cannabis.

Dixon is fond of saying food determines how far we can go from Earth and how long we can stay. Of course, he acknowledges, there are other factors. But what’s more fundamental

grocery space are eyeing even more locations in the years to come. Indeed, retail companies are developing new business models, or rethink existing ones, in direct responses to the ‘new normal’ in the shopping world.”

“Amid disruption from the Amazons of the world, retailers should focus on creating value and innovating on the links between online and physical shopping,” added Kruh. “Today, consumers are most keen on digital experiences that improve and complement the physical environment around them.”