Bio-Security is an integral part of a successful IPM program. Learn more with Ellis Smith of American Cannabis and Ron Romano at SafetyNet America.
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Watch the Bio-Security Webcast
Bio-Security has become a focal point for all industries since the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bio-contaminants, such as viruses, molds, fungi, and bacteria, have always been there, but outside of hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities, and food production, sterile environments weren’t a primary concern.
Over the last couple of years, the collective whole has gained a new appreciation for clean-green environments for consumables production, and cannabis is no exception. As laws continue to evolve, regulations and production mandates will only become more prevalent for cannabis producers.
Bio-Security and IPM for Cannabis
Implementing an integrated pest management, or IPM, program isn’t new for cannabis or agriculture. IPM solutions include introducing good bugs to help eliminate bad bugs, plant-based, non-toxic pesticides, and even insect pheromones.
However, a successful IPM program must also consider invisible pests. Microscopic invaders can affect the life of the plants, decrease yields, and, worse – introduce health hazards to consumers.
In this webcast, Ellis Smith, Founder & CEO of American Cannabis Consulting, discusses some challenges cannabis cultivators face with pest infestations and the potential liabilities for producers. Smith offers insights into a successful IPM program and discusses the best practices for maintaining a clean-green cannabis facility free of hazardous contaminants.
Bio-Security Technology and Processes
Ron Romano, CEO & Chairman of SafetyNet America, joins the discussion – bringing decades of experience from working in the medical field. Romano recalls the importance of decontamination for facilities such as operating rooms, hospital rooms, and even governmental buildings.
Using a five-pillar approach to biosecurity, SafetyNet offers several layers to ensure the ultimate level of decontamination.
- Personnel Compliance – just as germs and viruses travel from person to person, employees are an opportunity for cross-contamination in a cannabis facility. The staff themselves can unwittingly carry contaminants into the facility on the clothes they wear and even on the electronic devices they use.
- Surface Disinfection – keeping surfaces clean is critically important, but using harsh chemicals may not be the healthiest approach. SafetyNet’s Biotrexx not only disinfects surfaces but also attracts and destroys pathogens on contact.
- Air Purification – the pandemic has made it abundantly clear how vital air purification is in all indoor facilities. Airborne particulates and contaminants can recirculate through the HVAC and air handling systems.
- Water Purification – just as we do not want to drink contaminants in our water, neither do plants. SafetyNet offers solutions for water purification systems for traditional and hydroponics cultivation methods.
- Right tools for the task – no job is done efficiently without the proper equipment. SafetyNet uses electrostatic sprayers to ensure that the Biotrexx solution covers all surfaces – it can even be sprayed directly on the plants!
Come Back for the Follow-Up!
Plus, this webcast is the first in a three-part series where Cannabis Tech will join American Cannabis, SafetyNet, and PathogenDx to follow bio-security implementation as part of an overall IPM program at a Colorado cannabis facility.
Join us later this month for the second part in the series to discuss the importance of bio-security testing and analysis with Milan Patel, CEO at PathogenDx.
