The Free Press: How Vertical Farming Is Strengthening Food Security in Manitoba

The Problem

For decades, food insecurity has plagued Manitoba’s isolated northern communities. In these areas, high transportation costs make healthy food harder to find and more expensive for individuals and families.

Now, rising tensions – including U.S. threats to place tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports – are exposing vulnerabilities in Canada’s food supply chains. If trade is disrupted, it could become even more difficult to get affordable produce into remote areas.

“Food security is increasingly tied to global trade dynamics,” says Dr. Miyoung Suh, a professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba (UM). “When access to affordable, high-quality foods is restricted, we see rising rates of diabetes and obesity, especially in northern Indigenous communities.

The Solution

In response, a team from UM is working in Northern Manitoba with Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) to address health challenges and support local food sovereignty.

Together, they identified a local solution: Smart Vertical Farming (SMART-VF). This innovative, space-efficient system uses computer-monitored lighting and climate control to grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round. By producing food directly in the community, SMART-VF reduces reliance on costly imports and ensures a steady supply of fresh food.

Suh says the concept is showing promise.

Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Smart Vertical Farming

“The ability to grow food locally – regardless of what’s happening south of the border – offers communities a measure of sovereignty and stability,” Suh says. “We’re not just trying to improve fresh vegetables access; we’re trying to change the trajectory of chronic health conditions to help combat disease.

Initial research with these vegetables has already shown encouraging results in reducing blood pressure and obesity, with further data on diabetes expected by the end of 2025.

The Impact

By supporting communities to produce their own food, this research reduces dependency on imports and creates year-round access to fresh, nutritious food.

“For generations, colonialism has disrupted our connection to the land and traditional food systems. SMART-VF gives us the tools to grow food on our terms, provide food security and build a healthier future within our community”, explains Stephanie Cook, Smart Farm Manager at the Opaskwayak Health Authority.

This local supply helps lower costs and barriers, while strengthening local economic development.

“The produce will be cheaper, making it more affordable. It will also be more accessible, making it easier for people to buy vegetables and incorporate them into their everyday diet,” Suh says. “Additionally, the facility will provide employment opportunities in crop management and tech-driven agriculture.”

For nearly 150 years, the University of Manitoba has transformed lives through groundbreaking research and homegrown innovation. We push the boundaries of knowledge and do the hard work here in Manitoba to move our community and the world forward. Our researchers tackle society’s most pressing challenges, from healthcare and sustainability to Arctic accessibility and security, delivering solutions that make a real impact. With a spirit of determination and discovery, we are shaping a better future for our province and beyond.

UM Today Staff