Company Description
CO2 Gro Inc. was a Canadian agricultural technology company that developed and commercialized aqueous carbon dioxide enrichment systems for the global greenhouse and protected agriculture sector. The company operated in both the United States and Canada before suspending operations.
Technology and Innovation
CO2 Gro specialized in proprietary CO2 gas infusion technology that dissolved carbon dioxide into water, creating an aqueous solution that could be misted directly onto plant leaves. This approach differed fundamentally from traditional atmospheric CO2 gassing methods used in greenhouses. The technology addressed a significant limitation in conventional greenhouse operations, where venting for temperature control caused atmospheric CO2 to escape, making enrichment impractical for most facilities.
The system incorporated a sophisticated misting apparatus, an infusion unit, and a digital monitoring and control platform accessible through an online dashboard. By applying dissolved CO2 directly to leaf surfaces in light, intermittent misting patterns, the technology enabled photosynthetic enrichment regardless of greenhouse venting requirements. This capability opened CO2 enrichment possibilities for approximately 85% of global greenhouse operations that utilize open-venting designs and cannot economically employ traditional CO2 gassing.
Agricultural Applications
The company's CO2 Delivery Solutions were demonstrated across multiple crop categories including vegetables, flowers, leafy greens, and specialty crops. Greenhouse trials were conducted on peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, kale, microgreens, roses, orchids, strawberries, and various other horticultural products. The technology proved particularly valuable for operations in tropical and subtropical climates where high venting requirements previously made CO2 enrichment unfeasible.
Field demonstrations and technology adaptation projects reported yield increases ranging from 20% to 38% across different crop types. Beyond productivity gains, growers observed beneficial side effects including suppression of microbial pathogens such as powdery mildew and E. coli. The pH fluctuations created by aqueous CO2 application produced an unstable environment that inhibited pathogen growth, contributing to healthier crop development.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
The aqueous enrichment approach used substantially less CO2 gas compared to atmospheric gassing methods. Facilities employing traditional CO2 gassing could potentially reduce gas consumption by up to 90% when switching to the aqueous system, while maintaining comparable or superior crop performance. This efficiency stemmed from direct leaf application preventing gas loss through ventilation.
The technology aligned with sustainable agriculture principles by enabling more efficient food production from existing protected growing facilities. The company positioned itself as contributing to global food security by helping maximize yields from greenhouse operations without requiring additional land resources.
Business Model and Market Approach
CO2 Gro operated on a technology licensing and systems sales model, providing equipment and support to greenhouse operators based on cultivation area installed. The company focused on demonstrating return on investment for growers through technology adaptation projects and commercial feasibilities before full-scale deployment.
The business strategy targeted both developed and emerging agricultural markets, with projects implemented across North America, South America, and other regions. The company worked with growers of varying scales, from small specialty operations to large commercial greenhouse facilities.
Corporate History and Status
The company was incorporated in Canada and traded on both the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GROW and in over-the-counter markets. CO2 Gro positioned itself as a precision ag-tech and clean-tech enterprise with focus on sustainable food production enhancement.
Despite technological validation through multiple successful trials and commercial installations, the company faced financial challenges. The inability to secure additional debt or equity capital led to a complete suspension of operations. The board of directors and executive leadership, including the CEO and president, resigned as the company sought parties interested in assuming control or purchasing its assets. A cease trade order was implemented, halting public trading while the company pursued resolution of its financial situation.
The company's technology represented an attempt to address real limitations in greenhouse agriculture, particularly for facilities in climates requiring extensive ventilation. While the technical approach showed promise in increasing crop yields and reducing resource consumption, the business was ultimately unable to achieve financial sustainability.
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SEC Filings
No SEC filings available for Co2 Gro.