FAQ
How do you grow your plants?
Real Leaf Farm grow plants hydroponically. We use a growing medium to germinate the seeds, and then the roots are exposed to water, which is where the plant receives a precise nutrient mix to flourish. Thanks to sophisticated analytics, we are able to harvest each crop at the exact right time; ensuring flavour is at its prime. Once it is picked, Real Leaf Farm produce will reach stores and restaurants within a few days, unlike traditional or imported produce which can take weeks.
How are your plants nutritious if they are not grown in soil?
Our nutrients are water soluble versions of the same ones you would find naturally occurring in the most fertile of soil environments, and this nutrient-rich water is taken up directly by the roots of our plants. By monitoring the growing process 24/7 and capturing data at each step, we give our crops exactly what they need and nothing more.
Are you certified organic?
No, we are growing in a new kind of farm, creating a new set of standards. Our produce is 100% free from all pesticides and residues, grown in your community, with fewer of the earth’s resources.
Is your produce washed?
No, nothing touches the edible plants—no pesticides, no rain, no birds. It is clean so, we don’t need to wash our produce.
Can I buy directly from your farm?
Not currently we are selling direct to foodservice companies.
What nutrients do the plants receive?
We give the plants all the same nutrients they would take in from the soil, such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This is filtered into the water, where the roots of the plants can soak up needed nutrients.
Why do you grow in a glasshouse?
There are many benefits to growing in a greenhouse. First, we can provide fresh local greens all year round, even in the winter. An indoor, controlled environment allows for less volatility due to weather and less exposure to pests. Growing in water eliminates soil contamination and allows us to control the input materials that go into the greens. A greenhouse is also more energy efficient than a vertical farm, because it can harness the power of earth’s greatest energy resource: the sun.
Are your seeds non-GMO?
Yes. We source our non-GMO seeds from trusted partners. We also control every aspect of the growing process, providing our plants with the ideal conditions they need to grow, rather than relying on GMOs.
What measures is Real Leaf Farm taking to protect against Covid-19?
Your safety and wellbeing is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and plan to take all necessary precautions to keep our consumers, employees and partners safe. Our produce is grown in a controlled indoor environment inside a greenhouse; this allows us to grow produce in a safe, secure and clean environment. We use hair nets, gloves, aprons and masks in our greenhouse, follow standard hand washing procedures and have foot baths at every entrance into the greenhouse to keep outside contaminants away from the plants. We follow good manufacturing and agricultural practices and we are proud that our growing process is one of the cleanest and safest in the industry Additional safety measures:
Our company policy instructs employees not to come into work if they are sick or experiencing any signs of an infectious disease or illness. This policy will be strictly enforced and monitored during COVID-19.
No visitors will be allowed to enter our greenhouses unless they play a critical role in the operation of our farm.
We have rigorous and audited sanitation practices. In the event that one of our greenhouse associates were to test positive for COVID-19, we have developed an emergency response plan that will double our daily sanitation procedures based on recommendations from the HSE.
There is no evidence that fresh produce (or any other food, or other product/ material) can transmit the virus. However, food safety is our #1 priority and we are taking all necessary actions to ensure both our people and our food are safe.
Do you use Plastic Packaging?
Some outer wrapping is needed to secure cartons for transport. Real Leaf Farm strives to ensure that the least amount of plastic is used in all areas of production and logistics.