Montel and TMU build MoFarm for airflow pollination trials
Montel Inc, a Canadian manufacturer that makes high-density mobile systems and vertical farming solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to advance indoor berry production without bees.
The collaboration will focus on developing and testing a new airflow-based pollination system designed by TMU researchers. This project is supported by the Weston Family Foundation through its Homegrown Innovation Challenge Scaling Phase, which supports Canadian solutions for reliable, year-round berry production.
In June 2025, TMU researchers Professor Habiba Bougherara and Professor Lesley Campbell received up to $5 million in funding to improve indoor raspberry production. Their patented innovation uses controlled airflow and microclimate systems to move pollen between flowers. This approach addresses a major challenge in indoor farming, where natural pollinators like bees are not always available.
As part of the partnership, Montel will build and operate a dedicated pilot farm called MoFarm. Located beside Montel’s facility in Montmagny, Québec, MoFarm will provide real growing conditions to test the technology. The site will run continuous year-round cycles and closely resemble commercial vertical farming systems.
The project aims to reduce dependence on pollinators, improve yield stability, and support multi-layer berry production. By combining plant science, engineering, and climate control, the system could transform indoor berry cultivation in Canada.
"Montel's mission has always been to help growers grow more' with less space. Collaborating with TMU allows us to push the boundaries of what indoor agriculture can achieve when advanced science and engineering work hand in hand," said Yves Bélanger, VP Sales – Vertical Farming, Montel Inc.
"This funding allows us to build and test a system that could transform indoor berry production in Canada. Partnering with Montel gives us the ability to validate our technology under real indoor growing conditions," said Professor Habiba Bougherara, Toronto Metropolitan University.
This initiative reflects a national effort to strengthen Canada’s food security and promote sustainable indoor farming innovation.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Andrey Altergott