ECS Botanics has announced a substantial improvement in yields following the first harvest from its new protective crop enclosures (PCEs) at the company's north-western Victoria site.
The debut harvest from the first of the company's PCEs yielded 656 kilograms of medicinal cannabis flower — a 50% increase over the previous best yield of 437kg from the same strain.
ECS credited the improvement to design enhancements, including research and development into lighting and heating systems that allow for year-round cultivation.
Beyond the yield gains, the company told the ASX that the improved PCE design had also driven better flower quality and a higher proportion of "A-grade" buds.
With all nine new PCEs scheduled for completion in Q3, ECS said it remains on course for a record harvest in FY25, with total production forecast to exceed nine tonnes.
Managing Director Nan-Maree Schoerie said: "Our achievements in both yield and quality solidifies our commitment to operational excellence, innovation and providing the highest quality medicinal cannabis through our B2B and B2C channels.
"With year-round cultivation now possible, we're well-positioned to introduce our new strains and meet the increasing demand for premium, organic medicinal cannabis both domestically and internationally."
By the close of 2024, ECS will have brought five of the nine new PCEs online, with four more expected to follow by the end of February 2025, bringing the total number of enclosures at the facility to 26.
ECS noted that while construction has proceeded broadly to plan, it has run into a "small budget overrun" related to the electricity upgrade required to power six PCEs throughout the year, amounting to A$250,000.
