Canadian gourmet and organic food retailer Choices Markets plans to offer indoor-grown organic herbs in an exclusive agreement with Squamish Nation leaders and Vancouver, BC- based TerraSphere Systems, according to a press release.
The Squamish Nation has purchased 20 TerraSphere growth carousels for the production of basil and other herbs that will be sold exclusively in eight Choices Markets across the Greater Vancouver region.
“Choices’ focus remains on supplying our communities with natural, organic foods, and our venture into this partnership is in line with our principles,” said Mark Vickars, CEO of Choices Markets. “The Squamish Nation has supplied us with impressive crops of fresh basil. Without a doubt, it’s a product we’re proud to carry at Choices Markets.”
The Squamish Nation are descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples who now live in the present-day Greater Vancouver area. They are involved in several multimillion-dollar business ventures throughout the region and see the TerraSphere growth carousels as a unique agricultural opportunity.
“TerraSphere provides a highly efficient, technologically innovative way to grow plants,” said Chief Gibby Jacob. “It is a way to feed the people. For the Squamish Nation, becoming leaders at the forefront of technological innovation is something that we embrace and encourage for our young people and future generations.”
TerraSphere designs and builds systems, called growth carousels, which provide a natural means of growing organic fruits and vegetables in an indoor environment. It relies on clean technology to create ideal growing conditions for commercially desirable crops.
