Jay Willmot is a third-generation farmer and the founder of Haven Greens

Jay Willmot is a third-generation farmer and the founder of Haven Greens, an innovative automated greenhouse located in King City, Ontario. As Canada's dependence on U.S. produce comes under scrutiny, Willmot presents a compelling solution: locally sourced, year-round produce cultivated using artificial intelligence and automation.

Inside a two-hectare greenhouse nestled within a traditional wooden barn, an enthusiastic Willmot shared his ambitious vision. "From sowing to harvest and packing, this crop is handled entirely by machines," he stated while standing amidst vibrant rows of lettuce seedlings. The sounds of advanced machinery, including conveyor belts and automated systems, echo throughout the facility, which once served as his family's horse farm.

Willmot established Haven Greens to address the challenges posed by the Canadian winter and various obstacles that farmers encounter, including escalating labor costs and unpredictable weather. He is not alone in this venture; both federal and provincial governments are providing incentives to promote automation in agriculture. However, some experts caution against rapid adoption of technology, warning of potential unintended consequences. Local Lettuce Production: Even without AI, traditional greenhouses and vertical farms could solve the issue of year-round production.

Many growers are embracing this route; in fact, Canadian greenhouse lettuce production has quadrupled over the last decade, according to Statistics Canada. Willmot asserts that automation enables him to optimize lettuce production while reducing labor costs, typically the largest expense for greenhouse operators. His company also utilizes solar power, rainwater, and other energy-efficient systems to keep operational costs low. Additionally, he notes that AI helps minimize waste associated with uncertainty. Located in King City, Haven Greens is now producing thousands of kilograms of lettuce daily, entirely through automated methods. Willmot hopes this model will gain traction, although experts emphasize that the technology is still in its early stages and requires further examination. "We have sensors that monitor temperature, light intensity, humidity, and pressure levels. Everything in this greenhouse is controlled by a central computer to create ideal growing conditions," he added.

The greenhouse boasts a daily output of over 4,000 kilograms of lettuce, which is distributed through the Ontario food terminal and various independent grocery stores. Willmot aims to provide a reliable product that doesn't need to travel great distances to reach consumers. "I was frustrated with old, wilted lettuce," he remarked. The drought and diseases that affected California, the primary source of lettuce for Ontario, led to soaring prices in 2022. "We need more initiatives like this across the country to foster local food systems that promote food sovereignty and combat food insecurity, ultimately feeding our communities," he argued. Despite the significant financial investment in custom machinery and AI technology, Willmot believes he can achieve profitability while maintaining competitive retail prices.

Reducing Dependence on Farm Labor: This approach aligns with the objectives of provincial and federal governments. Before trade tensions highlighted Canada's dependence on U.S. produce, there was already a push to incentivize agricultural advancements to enhance self-sufficiency. In Ontario, for instance, the government allocated $547,720 in 2021 to Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc. in Leamington, known as North America's greenhouse capital. This funding supported the implementation of an AI system that enables greenhouse operators to remotely manage crops like cucumbers and eggplants, reducing the need for in-person work, according to a provincial press release. Canada's agricultural sector heavily depends on temporary foreign workers, with nearly half of its workforce employed seasonally in 2022, as reported by Statistics Canada. Willmot believes automation could bridge this gap.

However, Kelly Bronson, Canada's Research Chair in Science and Society, emphasizes the need to carefully consider the impact on migrant workers. "There are various ethical dilemmas associated with this labor solution, especially since these workers often face precarious pay and employment conditions," she noted, drawing from her research with migrant farmers. Yet, Willmot views Canada's reliance on foreign labor as part of the challenge. "We genuinely prioritize supporting local workers," he said. "We prefer to provide good-paying jobs to people in our own community." Haven Greens has hired 35 full-time employees. The Call for Scrutiny: Bronson, who specializes in the growth and effects of agricultural technologies, acknowledges the promising possibility of food sovereignty amid "geopolitical tariff warfare." However, she calls for caution even with Haven Greens' sustainable practices, including solar energy and rainwater usage. "The energy costs associated with maintaining an indoor farming environment are considerable. Additionally, we must consider the environmental implications of AI technology, such as data storage and its associated energy demands," she argued. Independent research into the effects of automation and AI in Canada's food systems is essential to verify the claims made by proponents. Researchers at Cambridge University have raised concerns about the rapid implementation of AI in agriculture, including risks of unforeseen failures and unintended consequences. "I believe it is the future," said Rozita Dara, director of the Artificial Intelligence for Food initiative at the University of Guelph. However, she also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that smaller businesses can thrive within this technological landscape. Back in King City, Willmot remains optimistic about his vision. As a third-generation farmer and lawyer, he acknowledges the aging farmer demographic in Canada and the reluctance of younger generations to enter agriculture. By 2033, statistics indicate that 40% of Canadian farm operators may retire, with 66% lacking a succession plan. "We want to demonstrate that agriculture can be exciting for young people, and we need more individuals to engage in food production for Canada," he concluded.

Salma Ibrahim