URBAN BARNS ANNOUNCES UPDATE ON NSERC CRD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT MCGILL UNIVERSITY

Urban Barns Foods Inc. (OTCQB: URBF) (“Urban Barns”), an innovative food producer dedicated to growing consistent, healthy and fresh vegetables year round using its proprietary Cubic Farming™ method, today provides its shareholders with an update on its research and development (R&D) activities at McGill University.

In its yearly update to Urban Barns the Biomass Production Laboratory research team at McGill University reported that research jointly sponsored by Urban Barns and an NSERC Cooperative Research & Development (CRD) grant is being used to design and test optimum light emitting diode (LED) light bars to maximize production and reduce energy costs in the Cubic FarmingTM system of Urban Barns. The focus of the NSERC research is optimizing light emitting diodes to assess photosynthetically active radiation efficiency (PAR curve) of horticultural plants using different wavelengths of LED at both low and high irradiance levels. To support this basic research a Cubic FarmingTM unit is operating on the Macdonald Campus of McGill University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

In addition to the research being undertaken as a part of the NSERC CRD grant, researchers are focused on expanding the range of horticultural crops being grown on the Cubic FarmingTM system to include bell peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries. Four new trough designs are being tested to support these fruiting crops. Researchers also report that new biological rooting substrates that can be easily incorporated into the Cubic FarmingTM system are being tested to replace non-biodegradable rockwool. This ongoing research has had very promising results with several different substrate materials that are all biodegradable.

Dr. Mark Lefsrud is the principal investigator and team leader with expertise on the use of LED lighting in greenhouse environments. The research team includes Dr. Valerie Gravel, Assistant Professor in Plant Science, and includes 10 research support professionals including graduates, undergraduates and research associates, with expertise split between the engineering and horticultural aspects of the project. The team is focused on performing research on methods and technologies to grow food and other plants in a more energy-efficient manner while also attempting to improve the nutritional value of the food grown.

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About Urban Barns Foods Inc.
Urban Barns uses patent pending and proprietary equipment to produce affordable leafy vegetables in a secure and controlled indoor environment.  By setting up subsidiary facilities and growing locally, Urban Barns can focus on supplying any community, irrespective of the regional climate, effectively reducing shipping times and related spoilage costs.  Urban Barns has the unique ability to scale and cater to the demands of all major communities.  The company’s commitment to consumers is reflected through its motto, “Purely Fresh, Naturally Tasty, and Completely Healthy”.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may include forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties.  Words such as "may", "could", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management.  Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Urban Barns does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements and cautions investors to consider all other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in Urban Barns’ filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
For further information, contact:
Urban Barns Foods, Inc.
Richard Groome, President and CEO
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone] x 774
www.urbanbarnsfoods.com

Source: UPTICK Newswire