Nordamark Start
Our business idea is to provide a growing system for microgreens and it's related consumables to make it easier and more profitble to produce and sell microgreens.
The founder started growing microgreens on the kitchentable and scaled it's production from a few trays to hundres a week with multiple distributers all over sweden.
The growing system
The microgreen system that was developed was because of all the problems we phased during the time we scaled the production because we dicovered that scaling the standard soil and tray method didn't work well. Where the watering was the most problematic part.
Watering - How it solves problems
The channels that were developed to improve oxygenation to the roots, because in the soil and tray method, if you overwatered, the risk was high that water would become stagnant and eventually lead to an anaerobic environment (characterized by the lack of free oxygen). Problems would quickly start to escalate.
Using a hydroponic watering technique called NFT (nutrient flow technique) with an intermittent watering schedule, the water could flow underneath the hemp fiber in the channel and into the grooves of the channel, where the roots also grow down.
Deliver on the channel
The results was also that the channel could also be used to deliver living samples if you delivered directly to a customer, without the need to repackage it, saving both time and cost where the customer can work with a product that lives longer.
Using Cartons
If deliveries coulden't be done on a channel, using precut hempfiber, the microgreens could easily be transfered directly into the carton boxes, also saving time and money by not needing to cut and harvest. Something also interesting was how the chefs tought they got even more value when you delivered a living sample compared to a cut microgreens in a plastic container, even if they contained the same.
Microgreen seeds
Another important factor in growing microgreens is the seeds themselves. This is something we learned the hard way in our own production, and using seeds with a high germination rate and vigor is crucial to any operation. We test all our seeds regularly and keep track of all our seed lots and germination rates according to ISTA testing.
Seed hygienisation
Our current largest project is working on a machine that can clean/sanitize seeds from all mold, fungus, and insect problems. Even with rigorous testing today, you can't guarantee that the seeds won't have a problem, which specifically is an issue for larger seeds.
Using steam at a specific temperature and length ensures spores and seed diseases will be killed off. After the treatment, the seeds are dried and repackaged, ensuring high quality at a good price, which is something we strive for. The project is aimed to be finished by summer 2025.
Founder
Michael Skaret - Founder of Nordamark, has been working with microgreens for over 10 years.
Something that keeps me going is seeing other growers succeed. It's something special when you see a grower start with a small kit, but after a few years, they have grown into a commercial operation with employees. Growing microgreens allows you to start on the side and grow at your own pace.
If you are in need of some advice or want to know how to start, don't hesitate to contact me! (free of charge, of course!)