MONTREAL, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - URBAN BARNS FOODS INC. (URBF.QB) ("the Company" or "URBAN BARNS"), today announced collaborative research between Urban Barns and McGill University on CUBIC AGRICULTURE growing practices.

The aim of the research is to further improve the efficiency and production of Urban Barns Cubic Agriculture vegetable and fruit production in urban areas.

The idea of food production in an urban agricultural environment has been proposed by a number of companies but the technology already developed by Urban Barns coupled with McGill food production research and engineering knowledge will allow the Cubic Agriculture system to reach the next level of sustainable food production.

Dr. Mark Lefsrud, McGill's lead researcher on the 5-year project, said, "The major issues to be researched are; energy reduction (light and heat), selection of species and cultivars for this specific growing environment, determining the nutritional improvement of plants grown within the Urban Cubic Growing system with additional focuses on reduced carbon footprint, nutrient recycling, minimal water usage, recyclable product packaging, leading to a sustainable urban agriculture model."

Richard Groome, President of Urban Barns Foods Canada said "We are indeed very excited about our new relationship with McGill's Macdonald Campus and Dr.Lefsrud. As Urban Barns rolls out our proprietary Cubic Farming method world-wide, we look forward to working with McGill's outstanding team of researchers to further develop improved cycle times and crop yields along with adding additional crop types that can be grown in our Cubic Farming systems."

About McGill University

Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, McGill is Canada's leading post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 11 professional schools, 300 programs of study and more than 37,000 students, including 8,300 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, with more than 7,200 international students making up 20 per cent of the student body. Almost half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including more than 6,200 francophones.

About Urban Barns Foods Inc.

Urban Barns uses patent pending proprietary equipment to produce affordable vegetables in a secure and controlled indoor environment. By setting up subsidiary facilities and growing locally, Urban Barns can focus on supplying any community, irrespective of the regional climate, effectively reducing shipping times and related spoilage costs. Urban Barns has the unique ability to scale and cater to the demands of all major communities. Our commitment to our consumers is reflected through our motto, "Purely Fresh, Naturally Tasty, and Completely Healthy". The websites www.urbanbarns.com and www.urbanbarnsfoods.com are registered trademarks and Cubic Farming and Cubic Agriculture are copyright of Urban Barns. All other company and product names mentioned are used only for identification purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may be forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Urban Barns or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors such as the level of business and consumer spending, the amount of sales of Urban Barns' products, the competitive environment within the industry, the ability of Urban Barns to continue expanding its operations, the level of costs incurred in connection with Urban Barns' expansion efforts, economic conditions in the industry and the financial strength of Urban Barns' customers and suppliers. Urban Barns does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Investors are also directed to consider all other risks and uncertainties.

SOURCE Urban Barns Foods Canada Inc.