Introduction

To support Canada’s agricultural sector, ClimateDoor partnered with ReFeed to implement BeFC’s compostable, biofuel-cell-powered soil sensors, enabling accurate and eco-friendly soil testing at scale.

Goal/Opportunity

To advance sustainable soil management practices by deploying BeFC’s innovative soil sensors within ReFeed’s operations, aiming to enhance resource management, lower operational costs, and reduce environmental impact in agriculture.

Challenge

ReFeed faced the challenge of conducting soil testing in an environmentally conscious manner that aligned with their sustainability values while maintaining cost efficiency. Traditional testing methods proved costly and generated non-biodegradable waste, necessitating a cleaner, more effective solution.

Solution

1. Pilot Project Design: Partnered with Elephant Island Winery and other vineyard locations to trial compostable soil sensors in diverse agricultural conditions.
2. Grant Opportunities: Identified and secured eligibility for the BC Agritech Grant and Integrated Marketplace to offset costs.
3. Collaborative Metrics: Established a system to measure the sensors’ impact on resource efficiency, using soil nutrient and humidity data to optimize water and fertilizer use.

Execution and Metrics

• Pilot Locations: 3 vineyard locations in British Columbia
• Funding Secured: BC Agritech Grant and Integrated Marketplace support
• Cost Reduction: 50% on soil testing costs compared to traditional methods

Results

• Initial Revenue Potential: $200,000
• Environmental Impact: Replaced non-biodegradable batteries, reducing waste by over 90%
• Soil Management: Enabled detailed monitoring, boosting resource efficiency across sites

Conclusion

Through ClimateDoor’s strategic partnership support, ReFeed successfully integrated BeFC’s compostable soil sensors into their operations, realizing cost savings, enhancing environmental stewardship, and setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture practices.

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