US (MA): Agrify and Curaleaf sign R&D agreement to study vertical farming best practices

Agrify Corporation has signed a definitive collaboration agreement forming a long-term research and development (R&D) partnership with Curaleaf.

The research will be focused on evaluating the impact of certain environmental conditions created and controlled by Agrify’s vertical farming units (VFUs) and Agrify Insights software platform on harvest yields, plant terpene profiles and flavonoid concentrations. It will also explore and analyze techniques to enhance the aesthetic appeal, aroma and overall chemical profile of cannabis flower. In addition, the joint research team plans to study the effect of regulated environments on the overall health and longevity of cannabis plants, including research on the maturation of the chemical profile of the plants over their lifecycle.

“We are thrilled to announce our first MSO collaboration and honored to partner with Curaleaf to advance this important research,” Agrify CEO Raymond Chang said. “Curaleaf is a cannabis industry leader, and our shared research will demonstrate the critical importance that an optimally controlled environment can have on the cultivator's ability to consistently produce high-quality flower. I am proud to showcase our cutting-edge indoor vertical farming cultivation technology and assist Curaleaf in growing the high-quality, consistent cannabis they are known for in the most cost-effective manner possible.”

Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern said, “Since our inception, we have been committed to providing our customers with premier and innovative cannabis products and experiences, with a relentless drive for quality. The cultivation environment plays a critical role in the plant’s chemical composition, and we believe this research will help to further increase understanding of the conditions required to optimize a plant's genetic potential.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Agrify will supply its VFUs and provide use of the company’s Agrify Insights software platform for a period of three years at Curaleaf's primary R&D facility in Massachusetts, with an option to extend another three years. The collaboration combines Agrify’s technology and expertise in creating optimized cultivation environments with Agrify Insights-based data and Curaleaf’s expertise in cultivation and production of quality cannabis products. All test data collected by Agrify Insights will be jointly owned.