Governor Kathy Hochul announced an indoor farming pilot project in Harlem that will increase the year-round availability of fresh fruits and vegetables for local underserved families and further national research about optimal indoor growing conditions and crop production.
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Part of a multi-state demonstration funded by the New York Power Authority and led by energy R&D institute EPRI, the large shipping container outside a New York City Housing Authority building will help communities grow produce throughout the year, develop healthy habits and learn about sustainability and environmental issues.
Harlem Grown, a local nonprofit, will manage the food production and support distribution to the community. The project will also investigate how to increase yields and manage resources, while reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
The New York Power Authority and project organizers celebrated the project's launch today and viewed the new system in Harlem - a hydroponic greenhouse that grows produce in a soil-less environment.
As part of a national collaborative research effort headed by the non-profit EPRI, the Harlem farming project will help increase learnings about the environmental, energy, and community impacts of indoor agriculture.
These learnings will help inform a broader understanding of the sustainability of local, indoor crop production, including energy and water consumption.
Findings will also help increase community engagement, provide educational opportunities on technology and agriculture, stimulate local job creation and expand local crop availability.
New York Power Authority's Environmental Justice team, which is funding the $250,000 program with New York Power Authority's Research, Technology Development and Innovation program, managed placement of the 40-foot shipping container branded "Planting fruits and vegetables. Growing healthy communities."
The outdoor weatherproof container is in an open lot off 140th Street next to the P.S. 139 Senior Center, which is currently being converted to an outdoor garden and meeting place. ■
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