Canada is taking a step toward secure, year-round berry production. Montel Inc has partnered with Toronto Metropolitan University to develop a pollinator-independent indoor berry system.
The project is supported by the Weston Family Foundation under its Homegrown Innovation Challenge Scaling Phase. The initiative supports Canadian innovations that strengthen domestic food production.
In 2025, TMU researchers Professor Habiba Bougherara and Professor Lesley Campbell received funding of up to $5 million to continue developing a patented airflow and microclimate system. This system automatically transfers pollen between raspberry flowers without using bees. Pollination has been one of the most difficult challenges in indoor berry farming, especially in controlled environments.
