A soil producer based in Vernon, B.C. is up for several cannabis awards, recognizing the company’s environmental impact, research efforts and product line.
BlueSky Organics manufactures specialized soil and nutrient blends for organic cannabis and agriculture production. This year, the company received six nominations from the Grow Up Industry Awards in the following categories:
- Environmental Impact,
- Outstanding Research,
- Cultivation Education,
- Best Growing Media,
- Nutrients Product, and
- Grow-at-home Package.
Focusing on sustainable and regenerative products in every part of the manufacturing process sets BlueSky apart, says CEO and co-founder Mary Horvatincic.
“We really have to bridge the gap between regenerative and sustainability because sustainability really isn’t enough. Over the years, so much damage has been done to our environment that … we’ve moved to sustainability, but how can we be regenerative?”
BlueSky is working with UBC on three research projects. One is with UBCO researchers to develop environmentally sustainable growing media using industrial waste streams, which Horvatincic says “is really going to advance just the industry as a whole.”
She adds an excellent team behind the scenes is “propelling us forward with the vision we’ve got.”
Read more: BC direct-to-retail cannabis distribution slated for fall 2022
The Grow Up Industry Awards Gala is a national event held annually to honour industry professionals and companies, recognizing excellence and innovation in the cannabis industry.
BlueSky took home the “Best Nutrients” award at the 2019 event for its soil and nutrients blend. The 2020 awards were cancelled due to Covid-19.
Voting for the 2021 awards closed on Sunday, and the winners will be announced at the Grow Up Conference and Expo in Niagara Falls, Ont. on Nov. 30.
BlueSky is also in the running for medium-sized business of the year in the 37th annual Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
And earlier this year, the BlueSky auditioned for Dragon’s Den, showcasing its lawn and garden line, Whole Earth. There’s no word yet if the segment will be aired.
“Our roots started in cannabis — all of our products were specifically formulated for cannabis products and we’ve diversified into the all organic sector, so into lawn and garden” she says. “I think for [other] companies, they’re usually the other way around.”
Read more: BC cannabis industry leaders create first advocacy coalition for growers
Follow Kathryn Tindale on Twitter
kathryn@mugglehead.com
