Sprout AI announces successful potato harvest with IDIAP

Vertical farming company, Sprout AI Inc, has announced the successful completion of a research project for the cultivation of the first potato seeds from the 'Karú' variety, produced in controlled environmental conditions in Panama, using Sprout AI’s proprietary fogponics system. This project was carried out under the agreement that the company has with the Agriculture Innovation Institute of Panama (IDIAP), the leading agricultural research institute in the country. On 11 May 2023, the seeds were presented to IDIAP, the Agriculture Ministry, and farmer representatives during a ceremony held at the Companies COE.

With this project, the Panamanian government is seeking to replace the import of potato seeds for cultivation, currently coming from Germany, with a national production harvested in the Sprout AI system. The yield using fogponics in the Sprout AI habitats is promising, and the visit by IDIAP highlights the importance of technology in agriculture and its potential impact on food security in Panama.

The Deputy Minister in Charge highlighted the importance of this initiative, which will benefit potato producers in the country, especially those in the Highlands, due to its impact on food security in Panama. She added that this project demonstrates that successful results can be achieved when the National Government and private companies work as allies.

She also pointed out that innovation is being made in this area, thanks to the joint effort with private companies such as TIBC and its publicly traded subsidiary Sprout AI.

In addition, Sprout AI has announced that TheraCann Australia Benchmark, a fellow subsidiary of TheraCann International Benchmark Corp (TIBC), has signed a letter of intent with the Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), its strategic partner, to provide select students with internships at TheraCann's Center of Excellence (COE) in Panama. These students will have the opportunity to study the operations of the Sprout AI Controlled Environment Urban Indoor Cultivation Systems during their internships of three to six months.

"We have learned about one of the most extraordinary experiences in the field of food cultivation technology… The technology is extraordinary," said Juan Bosco Bernal, Director of the Universidad Especializada de las Americas.

"This experience also allowed us to sign a collaboration agreement… that will serve as a basis for university internships for students in both food safety and biomedicine so that these students can study, develop skills, and contribute to this great experience that we have in Panama."

In other Sprout AI news, the company has welcomed Kevin McGeough as its new board member. With his MBA, culinary degree, and expertise in the field of agrotech, McGeough brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Sprout AI. His appointment to the board is expected to contribute significantly to the company's growth, given his deep understanding of the agricultural industry.

"Sprout AI is revolutionizing the vertical farming industry, and I am thrilled to join the board to help guide its future growth," McGeough enthused. "I believe that my background and experience will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that will enable Sprout AI to continue to excel."