AeroFarms and Cornell University: Optimized LED Lighting for Growing Plants

New LED Device Sheds Light on Aeroponics Industry

Installation of One-of-a-Kind Lighting Array Positions AeroFarms as the Leader in Optimized LED Usage for Plants

Ithaca, NY – March 23, 2010 – Aero Farm Systems LLC (www.aerofarms.com), a provider of aeroponic technology and solutions, in collaboration with Cornell University’s Department of Horticulture and The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, announced today the acquisition of a first-of-its-kind scientific instrument for testing the application of artificial lighting to plants. The announcement was made from the NCERA-101 Committee of Controlled Environment Technology and Use at the University of Wisconsin where Dr. Ed Harwood, founder and CEO of AeroFarms, presented the planned use for the new device.

The instrument has an array of LED lights that can emit the exact spectra of light necessary to grow plants, while excluding all other spectral bands. This functionality allows the Company to determine the optimal spectral bands for indoor growing that will result in higher yields, higher quality, and reduced energy consumption. In addition, the device has fine-tune controls for LED light intensity and duration of exposure that allow for incremental testing of those variables’ effects on plant growth to unprecedented levels of precision.

“AeroFarms has a novel aeroponic growing system for leafy greens that produces crops continuously throughout the year using artificial light in a totally controlled environment agriculture system,” said Ed Harwood, founder and CEO of Aero Farm Systems, LLC. “This one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art piece of testing equipment will allow AeroFarms to break new ground in the use of optimized LED lighting for growing plants.”

The three variables controlled by the scientific instrument (spectral bands, intensity and duration of exposure) have a significant impact on both the yield and quality of leafy green vegetables that AeroFarms equipment grows. To date, testing LED technology has been primarily restricted to laboratories or on a very small scale.

“This totally unique device gives us the first opportunity to look at how to take advantage of new lighting technology that promotes energy efficiency and year-round production,” said Dr. Neil Mattson, Assistant Professor at the Cornell University Horticultural Department. “The scientific testing device allows us to manipulate LED technology for aeroponics in a commercial setting, not only in a laboratory.”

The cost of building the device was made possible by the recent seed funding from The Quercus Trust and 21Ventures LLC. All development and construction was executed by The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Cornell University Department of Horticulture will provide the staff and resources to conduct testing using the unique device which is being hosted onsite at AeroFarms campus in Ithaca, New York.

Several factors have led to a proliferation of sustainable agriculture companies like AeroFarms, including the increase in consumer demand for sustainable and local produce, the growing public awareness of contamination and pesticides, and the constantly increasing labor and trucking costs of conventional production.

About AeroFarms

AeroFarms provides aeroponic growing systems that grow produce without soil and without sun, all year round and in any location. AeroFarms modular, vertically stackable systems are designed for locating in old or vacant urban buildings, enabling local production of pesticide-free, fresh, clean greens. AeroFarms systems transform food production into a more sustainable, efficient, and safe process by enabling profitable, commercial-scale vertical farming in urban centers. Founded in 2004, AeroFarms is based in Ithaca, NY. More information can be found at www.aerofarms.com.

About Cornell University Department of Horticulture

The Department of Horticulture serves professionals, students and citizens of New York State, the nation, and the world, by generating and extending knowledge about fruits, vegetables and landscape plants, for the purpose of sustaining the environment, enhancing economic vitality, and improving the quality of life of individuals and their communities.

About The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

The Lighting Research Center (LRC) is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. We are the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting and offer the world’s premier graduate education in lighting, including one- and two-year master’s programs and a Ph.D. program. At the LRC, we investigate lighting issues and educate the next generation of lighting leaders. Our programs cover a range of activities including both laboratory testing of lighting products and real-world demonstration and evaluation of lighting products and designs. We conduct research into energy efficiency, new products and technologies, lighting design, and human factors issues.