Elgin producer Rising Roots Microgreens has smashed its £5k Kickstarter target after receiving support from 54 backers.
This sum will go towards a £25k project involving expanding the business into new premises and erecting micro wind turbines to power the operation.
The new space, on Shempston Farm in Duffus, is double the size of the former premises and has already been secured along with some equipment. However, help is required.
Located near Elgin, Rising Roots Microgreens founder Daniel Oliveira – along with his three colleagues – launched the campaign on Boxing Day and it ended yesterday at 6pm.
A total of £5,106 was raised, bringing the four-strong team one step further toward their end goal.
Next steps
Rising Roots Microgreens is responsible for delivering fresh, nutritionally dense micro salads, herbs, and edible flowers to communities across the north.
The business provides for retail, home deliveries, cafes, and restaurants. They include Bootleggers Bar and Grill, Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop, and Utopia Cafe.
Its operation runs all year round using low-wattage LED lights in an indoor vertical farm.
However, recently Rising Roots Microgreens has started distributing its products nationwide, resulting in more space being required to keep up with demand.
The team is giving themselves three-to-four months – December 2022 to April 2023 – until the project’s completion.
Phase one was reaching its initial £5k Kickstarter target along with cleaning the new space, fitting doors, insulating, plastering, and repairing the roof.
The remaining timeline is as follows:
- Phase 2 (January): Lay the floor
- Phase 3 (January to February): Erect wind turbines and lay cable, and connect electrics
- Phase 4 (February): Install the plumbing, hot water, and sinks
- Phase 5 (February to March): Install lighting, shelves, and stainless steel worktop units
- Phase 6 (April): Relaunch Rising Roots Microgreens
Daniel will be hosting a launch party on Saturday, May 20 to coincide with the business’ third birthday, as well.
“As a young enterprise, we have had our fair share of challenges since our inception in 2020,” Daniel said.
“Now we have come out on the other side more resilient.
“Our customer base is on a steady upward trajectory and we are distributing on a national scale. And we intend to grow stronger.”
‘It is more important to take the risk’
Daniel went on to say: “We believe that sometimes it is more important to take the risk rather than miss the opportunity.
“We have already sourced a lot of the equipment and we have the premises, so this time scale seems achievable. All of our savings to date will be reinvested into this project.
“With rising energy costs and uncertainty in the future of the global economy, it has never been more important for us to adapt, survive and thrive.”
To date, the project has sourced four 1.5kWh wind turbines, a milking parlour where the operations will run, insulation for the roof, existing infrastructure, and tools.
In terms of requirements, flooring, a large sink, an on-demand water heater, and shelving are among them.
An armoured electric cable, four cubic metres of ballast, four-metre round pole masts to mount the turbines upon, a battery bank, power inverters, and more are needed for the wind power project.
The Kickstarter funds will be used to go towards this, and more.
The changes
The business will be harnessing natural energy to power the operation. At the same time, relocating to larger premises will allow them to increase production.
“We will be creating less impact on the environment by utilising renewable energy,” Daniel said.
“At the same time increasing yields to supply additional households, restaurants, and shops without compromising our prices.
“We will transform a derelict milking parlour into a practical growing space which will enable us to double our output, upscale to wholesale orders, and run a smoother operation powered by the wind.”
Rising Roots Microgreens is also aiming to extend its growing space to offer a wider range of fruit and vegetables, deliver its greens in an electric vehicle charged with wind power, and host farm-to-table experiences.
Its mission is to provide for the community, support the local economy, and promote the health food revolution.
A nerve-wracking experience
Daniel added: “The average pledge was £108, which is amazing. It was a nerve-wracking experience exposing myself like that not knowing what the public’s response would be.
“I am relieved that the community could get behind the project and see its true value for local and sustainable food.
“It gives Rising Roots confidence going forward and highlights the importance of making change for a healthier planet.”
Daniel gives a special thanks to The Plant Bug in Hopeman and The Re:Store Moray, as well as a list of local enterprises including Torta Cafe and Manna Juice Bar.
Conversation