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A Look At Basil Cultivation
Exploring Basil's Growth Requirements, Greenhouse Production Advantages, and the Impact of Automation
Corenthin (Félix) Chassouant
December 04, 2024
This newsletter explores the exciting world of automated basil production in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). As the demand for fresh, locally grown produce rises, CEA offers innovative solutions to meet consumer needs while addressing environmental concerns.
What We Are Covering Today?
LOOKING AT ITS PROPERTIES
Basil: Agronomic Insights and Nutritional Benefits of the Aromatic Herb
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a versatile and aromatic herb prized for its culinary and medicinal properties. From an agronomic standpoint, basil is an annual plant that thrives in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained, fertile soil. It requires consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Basil plants typically reach heights of 1-2 feet and prefer a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Growers focus on maintaining optimal growing conditions to ensure high-quality yields. Key requirements include adequate spacing (8-12 inches between plants), regular pruning to promote bushiness, and vigilant pest management, particularly against aphids and Japanese beetles. Harvesting should occur before flowering to maintain flavor intensity and encourage continued growth.
Nutritionally, basil offers significant benefits to consumers. It is rich in vitamins A, K, and C and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Basil also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, including eugenol, linalool, and rosmarinic acid. These compounds contribute to basil's potential health benefits, including improved digestion, stress reduction, and enhanced immune function. The herb's distinct flavor profile, dominated by its essential oils, makes it a popular choice for adding depth and aroma to various cuisines, enhancing the nutritional value and taste of meals.
ITS CULTIVATION
Year-Round Basil Cultivation: Advantages of Greenhouse Production
Basil production in greenhouses offers significant advantages over traditional outdoor cultivation, allowing for year-round growth and optimal control of environmental conditions. Greenhouse environments provide the warm temperatures and high light levels that basil thrives in, with ideal temperatures ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C).
The controlled setting protects basil plants from adverse weather conditions and pests, yielding higher-quality yields. Proper lighting is crucial, with basil requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily or supplemental grow lights to ensure optimal growth, especially during low-light seasons. Greenhouse growers can manipulate planting density to maximize yield, mainly when light levels are lower in winter. Hydroponic systems are often employed in greenhouse basil production, offering precise control over nutrient delivery and water usage. Attention to temperature management is vital, as basil is sensitive to cold and grows best in warm conditions. Growers must also consider humidity levels and ensure proper ventilation to prevent fungal diseases. The extended growing season provided by greenhouses allows for consistent basil production throughout the year, though productivity may vary with seasonal changes in light and temperature. By carefully managing these factors, greenhouse growers can produce high-quality basil with enhanced flavor and aroma, meeting the demand for fresh herbs in culinary applications year-round.
As the site is in an area prone to heavy snowfalls, Les Serres Gourma selected LUMINOSA multi-span polyethylene greenhouses. They offer the best thermal insulation (double poly inflated), light penetration (91-92%), air mass volume (18’ under gutter), and passive ventilation (mid-roof vent) for the summer season.
CASE STUDY
Les Serres Gourma: How Automation Transformed Basil Production in Quebec
In this article, we look at a case in point: Les Serres Gourma in Quebec, Canada. Charles Verdy, who runs the company, has invested in high-quality greenhouses, a cultivation system, and semi-automation with robots to improve the efficiency of his potted basil production.
Source photo: Alain Roberge, La Presse / Mobile Gullies System at Gourma
By automating its basil production, Gourma was able to boost its profits, enhance the quality of its products and combat the labour shortage. (BDC report, 2024)
In response to Quebec's call for increased food autonomy during the 2020 pandemic, Gourma, a greenhouse herb producer, embarked on an ambitious expansion project. The company’s president Charles Verdy faced a critical decision: maintain traditional methods or embrace automation. Opting for the latter, Gourma initiated a plan to double its production area while integrating automated systems, focusing on basil, its most popular product. The company implemented robotic systems and conveyor belts to streamline growing and harvesting processes, particularly in handling and packaging stages that were previously manual.
This strategic move not only addressed the growing demand for locally-grown produce but also led to significant improvements in productivity and product quality. The automation project significantly enhanced overall plant production efficiency, reduced plant damage, and improved time to shelf. Notably, the shift to automation did not result in layoffs; instead, it enabled the reallocation of staff to other plant varieties, diversifying the company's product range. Gourma's success story illustrates how controlled environment agriculture can leverage technology to enhance food security, meet consumer demands for fresh, local produce, and address labor shortages in the agricultural sector.
Source photo: Alain Roberge, La Presse / Gourma’s greenhouse in Québec, Canada
LOOKING AT AUTOMATING
The Role of Automation in Enhancing Basil Cultivation Efficiency and Quality
Automation in basil cultivation offers numerous benefits, addressing key challenges in the agricultural sector.
Firstly, it significantly mitigates labor shortage issues, a critical concern in the food industry. Automating processes like handling, harvesting, and packaging means fewer workers are needed for basil production, allowing for reallocating human resources to other tasks or plant varieties. This solves recruitment challenges and enhances workforce efficiency and job diversification.
Secondly, automation improves product quality. Basil plants are delicate, and manual handling risks damaging leaves. Automated systems minimize human contact, reducing contamination risks and leaf damage, resulting in higher quality products that meet customer expectations.
Lastly, automation boosts overall productivity. Gourma, for instance, achieved a 15% increase in plant production efficiency through their automation project. This includes optimized space utilization and streamlined packaging processes. Such productivity gains are crucial for meeting growing demand and improving competitiveness in the market. These benefits demonstrate how automation can transform basil cultivation, addressing labor issues while enhancing quality and efficiency.
IMPACT
Gourma’s Automation Journey: Enhancing Efficiency in Basil Production
The case of Gourma, led by Charles Verdy, exemplifies the transformative potential of automating basil production in Controlled Environment Agriculture. Gourma significantly improved productivity, product quality, and workforce efficiency by implementing robotic systems and conveyor belts.
The automation project allowed the company to double its production area while reducing the number of employees needed for basil cultivation from 12 to 4. This solved recruitment challenges and enabled staff reallocation to other plant varieties. Verdy's success story demonstrates how automation can address labor shortages, enhance product quality, and boost overall efficiency in CEA, paving the way for more sustainable and productive herb cultivation.
LOOKING AHEAD
Market Trend: A Robust Growth
The basil market in North America is experiencing robust growth, driven by several factors. Increasing consumer interest in Mediterranean and international cuisines has boosted demand for fresh and processed basil products. Health-conscious consumers gravitate towards natural and organic ingredients, further propelling the market.
The popularity of home cooking and gourmet food trends has also contributed to increased basil consumption. In the off-season, greenhouse-grown basil commands premium prices, with some high-end retailers selling it for $50-$60 per pound. The market is expected to continue expanding, with a growing emphasis on organic and sustainably farmed basil to meet evolving consumer preferences.
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Complementary Sources
Les herbes gourmandes : on arrache et on recommence. (La Presse, 2023)
Le volume de production en serre a presque doublé (La Presse, 2023)
Why invest in automation? (BDC report, 2024)
