At Simon Fraser University (SFU), a multidisciplinary team, led by a geneticist, a horticulturalist, and a business strategist, is tackling the complex challenge of simultaneously growing blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
SFU professor and scientist Dr. Jim Mattsson brings deep knowledge of plant physiology and gene editing; Dr. Eric Gerbrandt of BeriTech is one of Canada’s top berry researchers and an experienced grower; and Rodrigo Santana, an entrepreneur and co-founder of BeriTech, integrates practical innovation with scalable business insights. Together, they pose a triple threat in addressing the challenge of producing fresh berries all year in Canada. Their premise is to combine blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries in one system and stagger their unique dormancy and fruiting windows to create a wave of year-round harvests.
The team is also focused on economic viability. Rather than forcing berries to grow in systems designed for other crops, they are designing the greenhouse infrastructure and equipment specifically around the needs of the berry plants and their horticultural schedule. Their “less is more” approach in terms of technology aims to scale this method alongside outdoor fields, helping growers extend their seasons, generate year-round revenue, and maximize the use of existing labour and equipment.
At the core of their work are the plants themselves. The team is trialling which market-available varieties would best serve their system, considering both productivity and how each variety interacts with its environment. “We’re focused on high-performing varieties that we know can thrive indoors,” says Santana. Mattsson’s research further enhances this work with the development of novel “super plants”—smaller, higher-yielding varieties that could revolutionize indoor berry production.
In parallel, Gerbrandt applies advanced horticultural methods to optimize production schedules and deliver consistent, high-quality berries, carefully timing crop cycles to maximize yield per unit of space and energy. It’s not a silver-bullet solution but rather a multidisciplinary approach that blends science, horticulture, and practical know-how.
“Our goal has always been economic viability,” says Santana. “If we can produce these berries efficiently indoors, we’re not just innovating; we’re strengthening Canada’s food security.”
During the Scaling Phase, the team is focused on real-world validation and piloting their systems in greenhouses with two grower partners across Canada, measuring yield, fruit quality, and energy efficiency. Early results are promising: strong plant health, consistent production, and adaptability across berry types.
In the long term, by integrating varietal fundamentals, plant physiology, horticultural methods, and appropriate technology, SFU’s research could transform how high-value fruit crops are bred, grown, and supplied in Canada.
Collaborators
- BeriTech Inc.
- Fenwick Berry Farm
- Bergen Farms Produce
- Fall Creek Nursery
- Northwest Plant Company
- Signify
- Koppert
- Ludvig Svensson
- Delphy
- University of British Columbia
