Kim Parker, President and CEO of Food Security Structures Canada joins hosts Joe and Holly to talk about new technologies helping to mitigate food insecurity both here in Canada and around the world (both literally and figuratively).

Food Security Structures Canada, established six years ago, specializes in controlled environment agricultural structures that enable year-round food production regardless of location or climate challenges.

Kim describes their innovative agri-tunnels, which combine vertical farming with aeroponic and hydroponic systems. These systems can grow a wide variety of crops, from traditional leafy greens to more experimental crops like root vegetables, including radishes, carrots, and beets. The company's technology allows for growing in extreme conditions and has proven particularly resilient to climate change impacts.

The discussion also highlights Canada's significant dependence on imported fresh produce (60-80%), emphasizing the need for local food production solutions. Kim shares how their systems are price-competitive with traditional produce while offering fresher, longer-lasting products with zero waste. The company's commitment to accessibility extends to making their technology affordable and adaptable for various communities.

Kim's personal background, including her corporate sales experience and Indigenous heritage, influences the company's approach to community engagement and food security solutions. She emphasizes the importance of listening to communities' needs before implementing solutions, whether in Canada or internationally.

The conversation explores future developments, including partnerships with nuclear energy companies for power solutions and potential applications in space farming through collaborations with NASA. Throughout the interview, Kim maintains that their primary focus remains on Earth-based food security, driven by the mission to make fresh, nutritious food accessible to all.

• FSSC Website: https://www.foodsecuritystructures.ca/
• FSSC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fssccanada/
• FSSC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FSSCCanada/
• FSSC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-security-structures-canada/

Find our storyhub, instagram and other info at https://bio.site/growabilitypod

GrowAbility is hosted by Joe Gansevles and Holly Pugsley.

Special thanks to this week's guest, Kim Parker.

Our show is produced by Adam Caplan, Joe Gansevles and Holly Pugsley.

Production support from Oliver Gansevles, Evan Gansevles, Scott Hohn, Kevin Labonte, Paul Rodgers, Doruntina Uka and Alan Williamson.

Holly Pugsley of Just Keep Growing art directed this episode and made sure the plants looked great.

Audience strategy by Doruntina Uka and Tess Alcock.

Our theme music is Wandering William by Adrienne Walther and can be found on Soundstripe.

Adam Caplan is web.isod.es Executive Producer and Sammy Orlowski is our Senior Creator.

Thanks to TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario, including Farida Abdelnabi and Sarah Edmondson for letting us shoot at their beautiful offices.

Special thanks to Leigh Ann Gansevles for the support and yummy food, Hubert Orlowski for helping our podcast sound great, and Gabor Sass for making some great introductions.

GrowAbility is a web.isod.es Production and is produced with the support and participation of the team at The PATCH and Hutton House.