What you need to know

🌐 🇫🇷 FR · 🇬🇧 EN · 🇩🇪 DE

Do you want to install a connected greenhouse and join our Community of Pioneers? First of all, there is some essential information that we need to provide to you.

So READ CAREFULLY what follows:

1. Before the greenhouse arrives - preparation and checks

Prepare your land for the greenhouse installation.

i. You are responsible for choosing the greenhouse location. The greenhouse must be placed in a well-lit, accessible area that cannot flood (upstream from any water runoff).

ii. A 230V single-phase electrical supply must be provided at the greenhouse location, with conduit, cabling or trenching specifically designed for outdoor use. The electrical supply must enter at the left-hand entrance inside the greenhouse, according to the plan below:

Maximum power in use

The greenhouse with all accessories and options activated (LED kit, heater, heating resistors, etc.) may require up to 3200W of power during certain periods.

For comparison, a coffee machine or a vacuum cleaner can reach up to 2500W.

Please provide appropriately sized outdoor cable to connect the greenhouse to your domestic installation: minimum 3x2.5mm² with a suitable electrical conduit.

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Electrical protection

The electrical supply must come directly from a compliant 230V domestic electrical panel fitted with a 16A - 30mA residual-current device and a branch circuit breaker (10A for the City, 16A for the Family) on the supply line.

iii. Water must be accessible in the greenhouse installation area for filling the tanks.

It is worthwhile using rainwater as much as possible in greenhouse operation. With climate change, it is not uncommon to have several months without rainfall. We recommend planning for a total water storage capacity of 2000L at your installation site.

A water inlet can also be planned near the greenhouse to operate a reverse osmosis unit if needed.

iv. If you are installing solar panels, it is important to study the greenhouse location in relation to light exposure (watch out for shade cast by trees and buildings).

A connected greenhouse also requires some preparation. Do not overlook this preliminary work: it is essential, and without it the technician will not be able to carry out the installation.

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Level your ground perfectly

What does that mean? How do you do it? Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. We explain everything in detail with pictures here.

For the Family greenhouse, it is very important to carry out leveling and earthworks so the surface is perfectly flat, smooth and level.

If you have taken out a paid installation service: on the day of installation, if the ground has not been perfectly leveled and compacted or if the slab has defects, Myfood reserves the right to postpone the installation, which will result in additional costs. Depending on the schedule and site constraints, the installer may be able to correct the ground defects. In that case, Myfood will charge 80 € per additional half-day of work.

Make sure you comply with urban planning regulations.

In France, you may be required to complete certain formalities before installing your greenhouse.

City: no declaration required Family: prior works declaration (Prior declaration)

The response time for this declaration is usually 1 month (up to 3 months for an area located within the perimeter of a remarkable heritage site or near historic monuments). Also pay attention to specific rules if you are in a housing development, a non-buildable agricultural area, a flood zone, or if there are specific rules in your municipality (set by municipal by-law).

If you need clarification, contact your advisor for support with these formalities. Myfood cannot be held responsible if dismantling becomes necessary.

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PLU compliance and prior declaration (France only)

Myfood supports you throughout the project to review compliance with urban planning regulations and offers to handle the prior declaration formalities as soon as the quote is signed.

2. Delivery under the right conditions

The delivery location and route must meet several very specific criteria.

i. The products are packaged outside standard transport dimensions, which is why a truck equipped with a device to unload the pallets on arrival is required. These special trucks are rare and expensive, so the carrier organizes grouped deliveries by area to reduce costs, which explains the announced delivery times.

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Delivery appointment

ii. During week 2 after signing the quote, you will receive a form to select the delivery date, which will take place in week 7 (see the schedule below in 5.).

iii. We are committed to meeting the delivery time, but certain weather conditions and road incidents may affect the schedule.

iv. The products are delivered to the delivery address you provided during the order process. Delivery means in front of your property or at the foot of your building.

v. In some cases, where logistics require it, we will have to organize two separate deliveries (greenhouse and growing system).

A. Access.

Transport is included in the price for delivery in mainland France under standard receiving conditions (two-lane street, asphalt surface, gate width > 3.80m or curbside delivery). Delivery with specific access conditions requires a quote.

i. For standard delivery, access must be possible for an articulated lorry and there must be sufficient space to allow unloading and manoeuvring the delivery vehicle away. Given the very bulky nature of our items, specific logistics resources must be deployed. Deliveries are generally made by 19-tonne trucks, and consequently only places accessible by road can be delivered to.

ii. To access your property, there must absolutely be an access road at least 3.80 m wide. The carrier only agrees to use asphalt or concrete roads, not stone or dirt tracks. The truck positions itself as close as possible to the unloading area accessible under the conditions set out here and without taking risks for people, property or infrastructure.

iii. Please send us photos and a short video showing the street and access to your property.

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Specific access (on quotation)

Please make sure to inform us if:

1. Your street is not accessible to vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more.
2. Your street is a dead end or one-way street.
3. Your gate is less than 3.80 wide.
4. Your access is not asphalted.

B. Delivery with tail lift and pallet truck.

Our semi-trailer units are equipped with handling equipment for unloading.

i. The ground surface between the pavement and this storage area must be suitable for transporting pallets. Please note that if the entrance to the property is gravel or any other unusable surface, the pallets will remain on the pavement (the pallet truck cannot be used on gravel ground or sloping ground). In this case, transferring the pallet between the drop-off point and the storage area remains the responsibility of the recipient.

ii. Delivery will take place no later than 8 weeks after signing the quote and upon receipt of the approval notice for the prior declaration. Monthly storage fees will apply if the client postpones the delivery date. Payment for the equipment is due as soon as delivery has been completed. Please note that late payment may cause the installation to be postponed.

iii. The road must be asphalted to allow the truck to turn around easily.

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Important

If one of these conditions is not met and the driver cannot access or unload the pallets, the delivery and installation will be postponed, which may result in additional charges. Make sure you communicate all your observations and constraints in writing to your Myfood contact to avoid any surprises.

iv. Pallet dimensions and weights

For information, so that you can prepare your storage space, you will find below the packing details for your greenhouse:

FAMILY :

Here is a video to help you visualize the pallets: Overview of a greenhouse delivery

1. Aquaponics pallet (360 kg) 1600x1150x1500mm
2. Greenhouse pallet (700 kg) 780x900x2320mm
3. Table + wood package (40 kg) 2000x300x300mm

Options (modules) depending on your order:

4. Floor pallet (Wood Floor Module) (285 kg) 2010x1200x530mm
5. Stove pallet (Winter Module) (130 kg) 1020x410x990mm
6. Potting soil pallet (Perma Module) (440 kg) 1300x1000x1000mm
7. Solar panels and batteries pallet (Solar Module) (230 kg) 800x720x1850mm
8. Insulating panel box (Insulation Module) (44 kg) 2010x750x140mm
9. Microalgae pallet (Spirulina Module) (110 kg) 1200x800x1400mm

Packing may be modified, subject to available stock and destination.

CITY :

1. Package 1 = L 1.50m, W 1.10m, H 2.05m (485kg)
2. Package 2 = L 240cm, W 21cm, H 21cm (23kg)

Option (signature) depending on your order:

1. Screw platform

Packing may be modified, subject to available stock and destination.

C. Unloading.

Unloading must be carried out in the presence of the client unless otherwise agreed.

i. Leave it to the professionals! It is not your job to unload. To avoid injury or damage to the equipment, do not help with unloading and do not carry anything. In the event of breakage, you would also be held responsible.

ii. Do not start unpacking. You must not remove the pallets or open the packages unless this has been agreed with the Myfood team.

iii. Reservations. If you notice defective or open packaging, damaged or broken parts, immediately write precise reservations on the delivery note that the carrier will ask you to sign. Check visually that the number of packages matches the number indicated. Any significant tears in the plastic film that may cause damage must be mentioned on the delivery note and acknowledged by the driver. In case of damage, or if you have any doubt about the condition of the goods, contact us and immediately make reservations on the document provided by the carrier, requesting a countersignature.

To be valid, reservations must be:

• written: stated at the time of delivery on the delivery note
• precise: describing the delivery anomalies and the damage suffered by the goods (and not only the packaging) with the reference or name of the parts concerned
• complete: only the damage mentioned in the reservations will be considered as existing at the time of delivery
• confirmed in writing within 3 clear days if they were disputed by our driver and in all cases for shipments of 3 tonnes and more

Finally, it is essential to take photos of the goods in order to simplify the resolution of any dispute.

Our kits follow a rigorous inspection process that limits errors and omissions.

D. Storage of the pallets between delivery and the start of installation.

i. If you have taken out a paid installation service, you must provide a storage location for the goods less than 20 metres from the greenhouse installation site. If the distance is greater or more difficult (stairs, slope, crossing through the house, etc.), please discuss this with your Myfood advisor as it is important to plan for it in your project. Where applicable, unplanned handling services will be charged at 80€ excl. tax per labour hour. There is also a risk that the installation cannot be completed within the planned timeframe. In that case, our installer will have to leave the site and rescheduling may be charged.

ii. From the time of delivery, you are the owner and therefore responsible for the greenhouse and equipment.

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Important

To avoid any deterioration, it is preferable to keep the greenhouse and equipment dry by storing them protected from rain, sun, or any other external factor likely to damage them. If this is not possible, the pallets can remain outdoors for a few weeks, and you must provide tarpaulins to cover and protect each pallet (including the pallet with the greenhouse glass and profiles).

iii. The pallet with the greenhouse glass and profiles must ABSOLUTELY be stored flat.

▶️ Storage video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awbh4V9QDmE

3. With your installer

Please be present to welcome your installer on the agreed appointment day.

i. Except in cases of force majeure, your installer is required to respect the agreed arrival time. Please be present to welcome them and show them the storage and installation locations. If the client is absent without prior notice and cannot be reached, the installer will wait for 30 minutes. Beyond that, the installation will be postponed, which may result in additional charges.

ii. Please tell the installer about any specific features of the installation site or any special precautions to take: difficult access (GPS coordinates to be provided), dangerous access, site regulations, alarms, objects not to touch, etc.

iii. The greenhouse location must be clearly marked out to make the installer’s work easier.

iv. Together with your installer, you will complete an acceptance report (PV) before work starts and after work is completed.

For the PV before work starts, the installer fills it in, including the following information:

• site ready / not ready,
• flood zone,
• insufficient space on the sides for passage and handling, (leave a minimum of 50cm clearance during installation)
• presence of trees, difficult access,
• presence of animals to supervise,
• presence of children on the worksite,
• presence of equipment and storage
• etc.

It is then up to you to sign it, in which case you accept any costs and additional charges that may result. Please also add your own reservations (limitations and points to watch, areas to avoid, specific instructions).

You may also refuse to sign this PV if you do not agree with the findings recorded by the installer. In that case, the installer will leave without installing the greenhouse. However, make sure you contact your Myfood representative before making any decision.

For the PV after work is completed, you may declare any damage caused by the installer (damaged lawn, scraped wall, damaged furniture, missing equipment, other disputes, etc.), and you must confirm that the greenhouse is functioning properly.

v. Assembly cannot be carried out in case of hard frost, if the ground is waterlogged or turned over. Advice: if frost is forecast, cover the assembly area with a tarpaulin. This may help you avoid a postponement.

vi. For regions subject to strong and frequent winds (coast, mountains, valley), the greenhouse location must aim to limit direct exposure to disturbances. Specific anchoring may be proposed to strengthen the greenhouse’s long-term stability.

vii. Packaging, cardboard and pallets will not be taken back. Please arrange waste management. Note that you can subscribe to a waste removal option from Myfood at a rate of 200€ excl. tax.

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Clarification

While our community is characterized by mutual help and collaboration, it is not your responsibility to accommodate or feed the installer. Even if they are extremely friendly, do not forget that they are still a service provider and are not your responsibility.

4. After greenhouse installation (the adventure begins!)

Myfood trains and informs you.

At the end of the installation, our installers carry out a full operating test.

Technical training for using our greenhouses is provided remotely:

i. Before and after installation, you can consult the wiki, a collaborative encyclopedia that comprehensively brings together all the information about the greenhouse. ii. When your greenhouse is delivered, we provide you with a starter box containing all the accessories useful for maintenance and best practices. iii. From the time the greenhouse is installed, you have access to your connected dashboard, training videos, as well as the Microsoft Teams collaboration platform to exchange with the Pioneers and receive their advice and tips. iv. We also regularly organize webinars (online conferences) to exchange with the whole Community. v. The team of agronomists supervises all installed greenhouses and may contact you to support you in your experience.

If you have any question at all, do not hesitate to share your questions, photos, etc. directly on the online community.

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Community and transparency

Myfood is committed to sharing its knowledge and results in order to achieve a real ecological and social transition together, through reclaiming our food.

Essential safety instructions you must know

In the starter box, you will find detailed safety instructions to follow.

Right now, we would like to draw your attention to the following vigilance points:

• Monitor the greenhouse humidity level to prevent equipment and plants from rotting,
• The greenhouse is made of glass, so beware of breakage,
• Watch where you step, as a fall in the greenhouse can be dangerous,
• If you have children, be extremely vigilant when you leave the doors open, and provide a padlock to close access to the greenhouse (there is indeed a risk of drowning or electric shock)

Commitments and maintenance

If the system is not maintained according to our recommendations, the risks may be as follows:

• The plants may show signs of disease, grow slowly, decline or even die.
• The fish may also show signs of weakness or even die.
• The fish may jump out of the tanks.

Please note that Myfood cannot be held responsible for the risks stated above. We are required to provide Pioneers with all the information and support needed to resolve identified malfunctions.

5. The schedule: from signing the quote to the first shoots

Planning (English) : Link Planung (Deutsch) : Link

6. Warranties for our products

Our products are covered by several warranties:

• Legal warranties in the event of hidden defects, non-compliance or faults.
• Commercial warranties, which differ depending on the products.

The City greenhouse and the Family greenhouse are covered by a 12-year degressive warranty against manufacturing defects, provided they are assembled in accordance with the installation instructions and/or video. On moving parts, such as the door wheels and hinges, we offer a 2-year degressive warranty. We replace free of charge any component that does not meet standard requirements. This warranty covers all damage caused by defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is granted to the original owner and is not transferable. This warranty excludes all damage caused by misuse or irresponsible use, and all damage caused by exceptional natural phenomena. The warranty does not apply to glazing. The growing system (tank, table, wooden structure, irrigation and filtration system, electrical box, measurement box, ventilation, air pump / aerator) is covered by a 2-year warranty.

Vertical growing towers are guaranteed for 20 years, while their foam is guaranteed for 2 years.

Optional modules (comfort, winter, solar, habitat, insulation, finishing, lighting, spirulina, water collectors, screw platform modules) are guaranteed for 2 years. The perma module is guaranteed for 5 years. Solar panels are guaranteed for 12 years (with a 25-year linear power warranty).

Our warranty covers parts, but not labour. Repair services are charged at a fixed rate, based on quotation.

Greenhouse not watertight The greenhouse is designed to operate in a humid environment. Water splashes or infiltration may occur inside. An internal gutter collects condensation from the glass and drains it outside. Water may occasionally flow onto the floor or onto the growing elements. These elements are designed to withstand humidity and water splashes. No guarantee of complete watertightness can be given in this respect.

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Warning

No modification must be made to the electronic circuit, electronic boxes, pump system or filtration system, otherwise your warranty will be void.

For any specific need, please contact our customer service department, which will validate any modification to be made to the system with the technical department. It is important to note that electronic equipment (especially sensors) is sensitive to shocks, so they must be handled with care.

7. Research and development

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A community-based approach for the ecological transition

Becoming a Pioneer means becoming an active participant in research into ecological agriculture.

Our solutions are part of a research and development approach.

Our goal is to continuously improve knowledge in agroecology and aquaponics (through data collection and interpretation). Through deployed installations, we aim to bring new technical improvements to the product (growing system, bioclimatic control, etc.) and to the process (vertical agriculture, aquaponics, bioponics, permaculture).

In this respect, by purchasing a connected greenhouse, you contribute to this approach. In this context, you are producers of information and accept that data may be used to improve knowledge and optimize our products.

You also accept, to a certain extent, the uncertainties relating to the agricultural production results of the connected greenhouse. You also accept that Myfood may, after installation, come and make improvements to your greenhouse or correct problems that may arise during use of the equipment.

Software and hardware updates

All Pioneers who have joined the community have free access to the software, allowing them to enjoy an ever-renewed and improved experience. Successive updates and the continuous improvement of the software and database do not involve any new charges.

Also, the purchase of hardware updates and new module versions is offered when our solutions evolve. However, acquiring this equipment is in no way mandatory: if you do not wish to benefit from it, you can continue to use your greenhouse as it is.

Eco-responsible approach to equipment

When electronic equipment is updated, you can send us the old components. They will be repurposed or recycled.

Use of products not supported by our teams

You are of course free to use third-party products (seeds, fish, supplements, etc.).

However, we do not recommend it, for three reasons:

• you will not be able to rely on the warranty if a problem occurs in the greenhouse following the use of external products or equipment
• this excludes our liability if damage is caused by the use of these products or this equipment
• our support will not be relevant for third-party elements

8. Safety data sheet

Before starting, please take note of the safety elements to be followed when using our products.

• PH-DOWN
• CALCIUM-APICAL
• FER-FOLIAREL
• MAGNESIUM-EPSOTOP
• MICRONUTRIMENT-OLIGOMIX
• POTASSIUM-BICARBONATE
• POTASSIUM-SOLUSOP
• ROCKWOOD
• SULFATE-AMMONIUM-CRISTALLISE
• FLEXPLUG
• FERTILIGENE COLZA

9. Miscellaneous

Image rights

By becoming a Pioneer at Myfood, you agree that the company may use the photos posted on the Microsoft Teams channel as well as photos taken with your agreement in its communication materials.

Insurance

To protect your greenhouse against all hazards (accidental glass breakage, storm, etc.), we strongly recommend that you insure your greenhouse.

The whole team wishes you success in this new life experience.