09/27/2023
🏢 Local by Atta
🦞Julian & Jesse Howatt
📍Moncton, New Brunswick
11/365
Local by Atta is not your average farm. This indoor vertical hydroponic farm specializes in the cultivation of lettuce, microgreens, and basil. What sets it apart is its commitment to providing fresh produce year-round, thanks to its controlled environment. The farm's reach extends beyond Greater Moncton, serving discerning customers across the Maritime provinces.
The story of Local by Atta is one of determination, resilience, and a commitment to a vision. In late 2013, Julian, alongside his brother Jesse Howatt, embarked on a mission to bring locally grown, sustainable produce to their community. However, fate dealt them a cruel blow when a fire razed their initial farm to the ground in January 2016. Faced with the choice of abandoning their dream or persevering, they chose the latter, opting to not only continue but also expand their business to a new location.
The journey was not without its share of trials and tribulations, as is common for young and inexperienced farmers. Julian recounts the challenges of navigating a nascent industry where knowledge is often gained through trial and error, as resources for guidance are scarce. Despite these obstacles, Local by Atta emerged stronger, a testament to its founders' determination.
The significance of Local by Atta extends beyond its immediate economic goals. Julian and his team take pride in playing a vital role in feeding their community. Additionally, their commitment to providing year-round agricultural employment has a profound impact on the local workforce. At a time when the indoor farming industry witnessed turmoil, with numerous bankruptcies shuttering large indoor farms, especially in the United States, Local by Atta's decade-long success is a beacon of hope for the future.
As economic realities continue to evolve, and the importance of locally sourced, sustainable produce becomes increasingly evident, Local by Atta stands as a shining example of the resilience and vision of local producers. Celebrating nearly a decade of growth and innovation behind them, Julian and his team eagerly look forward to the years ahead, committed to their mission of nourishing their community while contributing to a sustainable future for agriculture.