Progress 01/01/13 to 12/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Relationships have been built with grass-root organizations, other state agencies, schools, clubs, parents, students and faculty from other disciplines. Through these relationships we have not only delivered education and outreach but we have helped spark interest in the "local food movement". The local food movement connects consumers to the producer, and teaches communities to be resilient. This movement includes economic development, and improving health and wellness. Through education, we are providing opportunities for all ages and because of the scientific nature of the project k-12 teachers, farmers, and other disciplines have connected the dots to other ways to collaborate, from grant writing to program development. Other efforts include the selling of food from the year round facility. The center's produce along with aggregated produce from local producers has been sold at pop-up markets to citizens in the community and some has been donated to needy families. Changes/Problems:During the first year there were several pitfalls in obtaining the warehouse that had been selected to house the facility. Prior to obtaining funding the university and the city had identified a property, however after obtaining funding several unanticipated problems arose, from zoning to state procurement issues and finally the condition of the property. The project was stalled for fourteen months until the Harding Street Recreational Center was selected. The university entered into a lease agreement with the city and the work to convert the building into a year-round production facility began. Another issue that impacted the project was related to selling products. The center was approved for an EBT machine however the accounting system of the state would not allow for us to use it. The work around requires working with non-profits and third parties in order to accept such payments. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During the course of the funding period the PI's and staff attended training at conferences on various topics related to indoor food production. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have utilized fact sheets, social media and Cooperative Extension publications, television appearances, radio interviews and even a documentary "Living in a Food Desert". Fact sheets are shared at outreach events and with visitors to the campus. According to Facebook analytics the page reaches nearly 100 people a week. The Cooperative Extension publications go out to all who sign-up and participate in Extension workshops and meetings and are available on the internet. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Program Goals, Objectives and Accomplishments To address the existing food deserts in the City of Petersburg, Virginia communities, Virginia State University in collaboration with the City of Petersburg and the Depart of Social Services propose to build a sustainable food production system and distribution hub. Other goals include researching the effectiveness of innovative methods of indoor production, sustainable environmental, and energy practices. In addition to production research an educational program will be developed centered around training citizens, in operations, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The specific objectives were to: Convert an abandoned/underutilized structure into a year round indoor production system within the historic downtown Petersburg, VA. The Harding Street Recreational Center was selected as the site to establish a year-round production research center. The building had been abandoned for nearly three years before the university entered into a lease agreement with the city. We installed solar panels and collection system that produces 20,000kwh. A rain Harvesting system, Installed 6 commercial growing systems and one DYI system. We experimented with, Aeroponic towers, Aeroponic table units, Gravity fed ebb and flow units, Ebb and flow pumping units, Rotating garden units, and Aquaponic float beds. Later we designed our own hybrid systems that we are currently completing testing for patient submissions. We also designed and constructed environmental controlled growth chambers. Each equipped with a HVAC condensation capture system to capture and reuse water. We built rigs for lighting with a mix of both pulley and semi-automated. We have been testing multiple types of LEDs, CLEDs as well as high pressure sodium. Our test have made comparisons regarding energy consumption, growing effectiveness, heat and durability. We have run trials on the following crops: Lettuce, spinach, Collards, Dwarf Kale, dinosaur Kale, Sweet Basil, various varieties of peppers, and multiple varieties of tomatoes, Swiss chard, Cauliflower, Spaghetti squash, watermelon, and red/white onions. Each trial has been run across different grow systems including aquaponics where we raised tilapia. We have also explored various nutrient combinations both commercial and DYI solutions. Develop a system of mobile farmer's market units to deliver fresh produce to underserved communities. One aspect of this project was to incorporate a food distribution and post-harvest as part of the grow facility. We leveraged funding to remodel the recreation centers snack kitchen into a commercial kitchen class room. We installed a 10 by 10 walk-in cooler stainless Steele counter tops, hood, oven and sinks along with moveable stainless Steele desks. The kitchen is equipped with post-harvest equipment such a dehydrator, vacuum sealer blenders etc. It can be used for both post-harvest value added and cooking demonstrations. We purchased a cargo van that has been utilized to do pop-up market sales in and around the community as well as food box deliveries. There was an issue with a State agency selling food for profit so we worked with a non-profit and a local farmer to handle the actual sales. Throughout the course of the project we donated nearly 2000lbs of produce, sold 1500lbs and made $400 in sales. Develop and conduct educational programming in urban agriculture, marketing, nutrition and entrepreneurship. We have conducted workshops across the state on building growing systems, introduced the technology to local schools and by assisting several teachers to build small systems in their classrooms to teach the concepts of indoor growing. Taught over 200 youth about agriculture, entrepreneurship and nutrition by working with 4-H, churches, Parks & Recreation, Boys and Girls club, Scouts and several other groups. Change in Knowledge Petersburg's designation as a "food desert" was one of the premises utilized to justify the need for this project. However, we learned that although food security is an issue, it is not all related to the lack of food access. Although there is a lack of "chain grocery stores", the community is resilient; many of the corner stores have food. Although there is still a need for more fresh vegetables to improve pricing and selection, the fact is that access is not as big of a problem as we thought. The larger issue appears to be the lack of knowledge in preparing fresh vegetables, however, more research is needed. Key Outcomes The goal was to develop a research facility by repurposing property to illustrate innovative ways to promote economic development. However, the impact has been much bigger. The site where the facility is housed was a haven for criminal activity. There were multiple shootings, police chases, almost daily found empty or broken liquor bottles, used syringes, and bullet casings in the parking lot and the steps. However, through "purposeful community engagement" the activity moved. Community Engagement We had nearly 8000 residents to participate in some type of community function. We have had over 200 volunteers to work at the center doing various work, such as building raised beds, planting grapevines and fruit trees on lots across and down the street. We sponsored a health walk, assisted with a back-to-school fair, worked with the health department on its corner store initiative, and many others. Other impacts include: Increased number of agents and citizens requesting workshops/programs. Increased number of collaborations within the community Increased funding to address these issues (more groups are writing grants) Increased number of agents and citizens interested in gardening Increased participation in farmers market Increased number of corner stores carrying or interested in carrying fresh vegetables Increase in small business development (entrepreneurs) related to food production or service related. Increased community investment (leveraged $275,000) for projects in and around the center.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/15 to 12/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience: Greater Petersburg residents Inner city residents Residents living in improvished communities Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Members of the staff have attended conferences and recieved professional development. The PI and Director attended Indoor AgCon Environmental Technican attended Cities Alive Greenroof and Wall conference How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been disseminated to the communitity multiple ways: Poster Presentation Minorities in Agriculture Natural resources and Related sciences National Conference Presenter and panel discussant Urban Agriculture Summit Richmond Virginia Panel Discussant Economic Effects of Food Deserts PresenterThe Community Foundation:Giving InsightsFresh Ideas: Growing Healthy Communities in RVA PresenterCrater Health District General Staff Meeting -Food Deserts and the Indoor Urban Farm Presenter-Richmond Museum of Science Lunch Break Science Series-The future of Urban Agriculture. Presenter Richmond Revisited - VCU School of Social Work - Urban Agriculture as Community Engagement and Participatory Empowerment? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the nextyear several ongoing activities will take place with a focus on the following: Research Sales Educational programing and outreach Research Research will consist of determining the most effective growing conditions, economical and nutritional mix for various crops. Explore growing non-traditional hydroponic crops. Exploring the most effective and economical feeds for various edible aquatic species as well as developing new economical and effective growing systems for both commercial and home application. Sales The overall goal is to create an economically sustainable business model. We will utilize traditional and enterprising marketing and sales techniques to create a profitable agricultural business. Educational Programing Providing instruction for citizens of Virginia and University students, to improve the quality of life is our mission. We will conduct various programs related to the technology, research, production, and business of an indoor production facility. Workshops & Programing Action Steps Who 'Will Complete Timeline Partners Location Living wall workshops Environmental Tech Oct 2016-Sept 2017 Cooperative Extension Harding Street/ local public Schools Producer Workshops Comer, Duron Oct 2016-Sept 2017 Cooperative Extension Harding street/various locations across the state youth entrepreneurship program Reid, Comer Oct 2016-Sept 2017 Cooperative Extension Harding street/various locations across the state Nutrition Programs Team, FCS, Dept. of Health Oct 2016-Sept 2017 Cooperative Extension, Dept. of health Harding street/various locations across the state Online products Team Oct 2016-Sept 2017 Cooperative Extension, academics Harding Street, University campus Publications Team Oct 2016-Sept 2017 All __
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Convert an abandoned/underutilized structure into a year round indoor production system within the historic downtown Petersburg, VA. a)We have completed building and testing six different indoor growing systems with a seventh system is underway.[i] Aeroponic tower units Aeroponic table units Gravity fed ebb and flow units Ebb and flow pumping units Rotating garden units Aquaponic float bed system b)We have completed installing a solar array that collects 20,000kwh. c)We completed the framing for both the grow chambers and lighting rigs. d)Installed a walk in cooler e)Made some cosmetic repairs (drywall, damage carpet etc.) f)Tested each System with growth trials of various crops. Crops Dwarf Kale Sweet Basil Peppers Tomatoes Swiss Chard g)Completed aquaponics unit. Develop a system of mobile farmer's market units to deliver fresh produce to underserved communities. a)We have purchased a cargo van to use for selling produce. Once cleared the b)We have been approved to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). c)We led efforts to establish an urban gardening outdoor learning lab on the lots next door and across from the facility. A MOU was signed with d)We have a pending MOU with a Non-Profit to sale produce and handle a membership service that will streamline the process of accepting food from local farmers. e)Currently running trial sales on Sunday evenings selling produce from local growers. f)Completed Marketing Survey g)Obtained a Farm Number Develop and conduct educational programming in urban agriculture, marketing, nutrition and entrepreneurship. a)Assisted a Matoaca High School biology class with building a hydroponics unit for the classroom.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/14 to 12/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The targeted audiences reached during this reporting period are as follows: High School students taking science Junior High Students taking science Undergraduate students majoring in agriculture Graduate students majoring in agriculture Adults local food buyers With Interest in urban farming Master gardeners Small farmers Changes/Problems: Over the past year the Sustainable Urban Agriculture systems project has met pitfalls that have caused deviations to the original schedule. Pitfalls related to delays in receiving funds, acquiring a lease for the site, and delays in the procurement office. These delays caused problems such as: Losing the option to use the original site By the time all of the concerns of the university where address the parties involved leased the facility to someone else. Getting the keys to new site After finding a new site we needed approval from the Universities board of visitors to enter into a lease; however the new site wasn’t found until the end of the semester at which point the board would not be meeting again until the fall. We were able to obtain permission to do site prep until a lease could be approved and signed. Hiring Staff Outside of a coordinator we did not hire any staff because we didn’t have any of the equipment so therefore it would not have been practical. Using Volunteers We could have used volunteers to assist with some of the prep work; however, because we did not have a signed lease, we could not risk bringing volunteers into the facility. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Outreach has been disseminated through presentations: March 28, 2014: Revitalizing the Hood with Urban Agriculture; TED (Technology Education and Design) talk given during TED x RVA; speech on utilizing urban agriculture to address health and economic disparity within urban areas designated as food deserts by the USDA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyNbdA2x4Yw- Richmond, VA July 21, 2014: Community center in Petersburg will see new life as an urban farm http://progress-index.com/news/community-center-in-petersburg-will-see-new-life-as-an-urban-farm-1.1722292 August 4&5, 2014: Filmed a documentary "Food Deserts." By award winning film director Jesse Vaughn - Petersburg, VA August 19th 2014: Justice and Civil Society - 14 Students of University of Richmond - Food Systems, Food Security and Urban Agriculture – Introduction to local food systems, food security and examples of urban agriculture in a community based setting. - Univeristy of Virginia, charlottesville, VA Sept. 3rd 2014: Social Justice 101 - 19 Students of University of Richmond - Sustainable Urban Agriculture As Community Development – Lecture on sustainable agriculture and its capacity to drive local economic development using local food production as a tool for community development through education, job training, employment and workforce development.-Richmond, VA Sept. 16, 2014: Voices of Richmond “Sourcing Locally to Build Community.”-Richmond, VA Sept 26-Oct5th: Virginia State Fair display-Doswell, VA What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Plans for next reporting cycle 1. Convert an abandoned/underutilized structure into a year round indoor production system within the historic downtown Petersburg, VA. Complete installation of the alternative energy systems and bring them online-January,2015 Photovoltaic system Rain water harvest system Anaerobic Digester Publish comparison data running system with and without alternative eenergy Analyze marketing survey data-January, 2015 Develop business plans for marketing produce Publish/present marketing survey results Set business hours Hire all of the staff needed for the project, technicians, students, marketing team. Grand opening kick-off-February, 2015 The grand opening is being coordinated with Petersburg’s City Planners team. Tentatively it will occur the last week of February; the exact date will be decided during the next committee meeting. Collect Data-January, 2015 ongoing Develop multiple trials with different plant species Lighting Nutrient levels Temperature • Develop multiple trials with fish species Nutrient Temperature Health Water quality among different crops Publish results Develop a system of mobile farmer's market units to deliver fresh produce to underserved communities. Plans for next cycle Mobile units Purchase a van, a pickup truck or a small bus There are several examples whereby producers have modified vehicles to use for transporting and selling products (farmer market on wheels). The decision of what type to use will be based on price and availability of surplus vehicles.-May, 2015 Develop delivery schedule and maps-March, 2015 Develop and conduct educational programming in urban agriculture, marketing, nutrition and entrepreneurship. Plans for next cycle Conduct more Beginning Urban Farming workshops Conduct mobile refrigeration workshops Expand the secondary school program Develop and publish an extension publication book of activities to support the school program Beginning Urban Farming Training An interactive course teaching the basic framework for developing their own urban farm plan and were introduced to key concepts integral to the marketing and distribution of locally grown produce. Participants are introduced to production techniques and the numerous local, state, and federal agencies that serve the agricultural community. Impact Provide participants with skills in developing business plans, production methods, marketing and distribution. Targeted audience: People with an interest in urban farming commercially People with an interest in urban farming as a hobby Producers interested in expanding their market to the urban sector Timeline Action Steps Who will complete Timeline Partners Location Producer Workshop Duron Chavis Theresa Nartea January 23,2015 February 13, 2015 May-tba June 18, 2015 July-tba Local Extension agents Richmond Urban Ag Facility Pack N Go Workshops Utilizing plans (Pack N Go) developed by colleagues with North Carolina Extension we will conduct workshops and build affordable mobile refrigerated trailers ranging from $1500-$300. Impact The trailers will serve as an outreach demonstration to local farmers as an affordable option for refrigerated transportation. In addition this activity will also be used as part of a youth entrepreneurship program, as well as a STEM project for area schools. Timeline Action Steps Who will complete Timeline Partners Location youth entrepreneurship program Marcus Comer Student/Technicians Theresa Nartea Albert Reid April 24, 2015 Local 4-H agents Urban Ag Center Producer Workshop Marcus Comer Student/Technicians Theresa Nartea May 28, 2015 Local Extension agents Richmond Producer Workshop Marcus Comer Student/Technicians Theresa Nartea July-tba Local Extension agents South Hampton County Aquaponics/Hydroponics in the Classroom Install hydroponics/aquaponics systems and provide lesson plans, in secondary public/carter schools to introduce the technology to middle and high school students. This project is partially supported by formula funding. Impact The knowledge of how indoor systems work and how to construct them will become more in demand as similar production facilities are constructed in urban sectors. In addition these systems and lessons support Virginia’s end of grade teaching standards (SOLs). Target Audience High School Students -public/charter Middle school Students- public/charter Timeline The goal is to install systems in at least one school in each of the counties and independent cities that surround Petersburg as well as counties and cities across the state where many of the University’s students reside. County/city Time School Status Charles City N/A Not identified not started Chesterfield May Matoaca HS not started Dinwiddie May Dinwiddie HS not started Emporia/Greenville Co TBA Greenville County HS not started Henrico N/A Not identified not started Hopewell TBA Hopewell HS not started Norfolk N/A Not identified not started Portsmouth Installation completed Starbase Victory Carver Junior High ongoing Prince George TBA Prince George HS not started Richmond Installation completed George Wythe HS ongoing Virginia Beach N/A Not identified not started
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Convert an abandoned/underutilized structure into a year round indoor production system within the historic downtown Petersburg, VA. The City of Petersburg identified a site (and abandoned building) to house the indoor production facility. The university was going to sublease the building from a local church. However, due to bureaucracy, structural, and legal issues over securing the lease, we were unable to acquire a site during this first year. We applied for an extension and was granted another year to conduct the project. During this extension we acquired a site an abandoned community recreation center. We optained permission to began preping the site before the lease was signed, once the lease was signed we were able to start installing equipment. Once this is complete the facility’s gym floor will become a production room. The growing area is 84 x 50 feet and is sectioned off into six stations each with shelters to enable, controlled environments: aeroponics, ebb and flow, rotating systems, floating ebb and flow systems, vertical towers, and aquaponics tanks. Installation of production equipment is 90 percent complete, and is expected be completed by the end of November. We are still waiting on the alternative energy systems and freezer to be delivered. As each system comes online, we are initiating planting and begining the collection of growth and performace data. All planting is estimated to be completed by the end of November: Crop Days to maturity Date of planting Greens Turnip greens 30-40 Nov 2014 Mustard Greens 35-45 Nov 2014 Kale Greens 55-65 Nov 2014 Spinach 40-50 Nov 2014 Swiss chard 40-45 Nov 2014 Baby greens 28-30 Nov 2014 lettuces Nov 2014 Buttercrunch 35-40 Nov 2014 Romaine 35-45 Nov 2014 Herbs basil 5-10 Dec 2014 chives 7-14 Dec 2014 sage 7-21 Dec 2014 mint 10-14 Dec 2014 Tomatoes* Dec 2014 verona 35-40 Dec 2014 trust 28-35 Dec 2014 Peppers* Dec 2014 banana 65-70 Dec 2014 Cherry 45-60 Dec 2014 Bell 65-70 Dec 2014 sweet 60-65 Dec 2014 *pollination by wind (fans) Aquaponics The first species of fish that will be grown is Tilapia. The license required for growing tilapia has been applied for and should be in hand by the end of November. Tilapia schedule Speicies maturity Date of culture Tilapia 30-35 days Dec 2014 Marketing Survey A marketing survey was developed to assess the needs and demands of local food buyers.The assessment was launched mid-October and is being delivered both on line and by mail. The survey targets buyers for restaurants, grocers, and SNAP recipients.This data will be used to develop business plans, operating hours, developing delivery maps and schedules etc. Operating hours have not been determined however, we estimate running the facility for the public between 10:00am-5:00pm. This may change once we analyze the traffic and demand. 2. Develop a system of mobile farmer's market units to deliver fresh produce to underserved communities. The establishment of a system of mobile units has not moved forward due to delays in getting the facility up and running. However plans have been developed. Our efforts will focus on a 20 sq mile radius of the facility. Two used/supplied vehicles van/bus/pickup will be used to transport produce to different locations within the community. 3. Develop and conduct educational programming in urban agriculture, marketing, nutrition and entrepreneurship. Current activities Beginning Urban Farming Training An interactive course teaching the basic framework for developing their own urban farm plan and were introduced to key concepts integral to the marketing and distribution of locally grown produce. Participants are introduced to production techniques and the numerous local, state, and federal agencies that serve the agricultural community. Impact This workshop provided 28 participants with skills in developing business plans, production methods, marketing and distribution. Aquaponics/Hydroponics in the Classroom Install hydroponics/aquaponics systems and provide lesson plans, in secondary public/carter schools to introduce the technology to middle and high school students. This project is partially supported by formula funding. This has been accomplished by working with schools and teachers in nearby counties to develop curriculum components and introduce technologies utilized in the project. The materials used in the schools were provided from equipment on hand and materials/donations from the schools. The schools that have implemented this program so far are: Portsmouth City School district Starbase Victory STEM program facility Impact: Every 4th, 5th, and 6th grader in the district spends 4 weeks at the Starbase center learning STEM (approx. 1200 students). Carver Junior High science classes Impact: 7th & 8th grade science courses (approx. 80 students) Hanover County School district George Town High School Impact: Mentoring program and science class (approx. 60 students) Richmond City Schools George Wythe High School Richmond Impact: Science classes (approx. 100 kids) Prior to installing the hydroponic system we were working with the science classes to in gardens we assisted with establishing (Extension project) under this program we are providing technical assistance to build a shed style aquaponics system. Overall Impact The knowledge of how indoor systems work and how to construct them will become more in demand as similar production facilities are constructed in urban sectors. In addition these systems and lessons support Virginia’s end of grade teaching standards (SOLs).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Marcus M. Comer, Theresa J. Nartea, Brian Nerrie, Albert Reid, Duron Chavis (2014) Building sustainable urban agricultural systems. Journal of Extension
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Progress 01/01/13 to 12/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target Audience Youth & Adults Petersburg Citizens Small Farmers “Urban Farmers” Virginia Citizens Team Outcome/Imports Another goal of this project is to have an impact on secondary student’s interest in agriculture and related sciences. This has been accomplished by working with schools and teachers in nearby counties to develop curriculum components and introduce technologies utilized in the project. The materials used in the schools were provided from equipment on hand and donations from the schools. Portsmouth City School district- Hydroponics systems have been installed in one of the inner city junior high schools and the Starbase Victory STEM program facility. Plans are underway to install a system in each of the junior high schools. We are also working collaboratively with the school district’s curriculum team to develop components that integrate and follow the State’s end of grade testing standards. Impact: Every 4th, 5th, and 6th grader in the district spends 4 weeks at the starbase center learning STEM. Having this system in place allows us to have an impact on every student in the district. Once these students move on to junior high they are familiar with the technology and are able to learn more complex lessons. George Town High School Hanover County-a similar system and curriculum has been installed in George Town high school with one major difference. The students have started building their own system from scrape materials. Impact: The knowledge of how indoor systems work and how to construct them will become more in demand as similar production facilities are constructed in urban sectors. Once the facility is in place schools will be able to take tours participate in hands on learning and web based STEM activities. Team Outputs The team has made several presentations, appearances on radio and television and online media outlets. ? Presentation Biological Conference ? Interview Jack Gravely Radio Show ? Guest appearance What Works Radio Show ? Appearance Fox News Morning Market ? Community Ideas NPR/PBS http://ideastations.org/articles/virginia-state-university-extension-exploring-aquaponics-2013-01-08 ? News and Record Petersburg Newspaper ? NBC12 News ? Presentation NIFA project directors meeting ? Presentation Virginia Master Gardeners Arlington VA ? Numerous tours in our greenhouse facilities on the research farm where we have examples of the systems that we will use in the facility. Broad Impacts One unanticipated outcome has been the interest in developing similar systems across the state. The team receives calls and emails each nearly every week from groups interested in learning how to setup small systems in their communities and schools. We have assisted several groups; others have been put on hold until we get the facility up and running. We have received calls from neighboring states and other countries to collaborate on proposals. Changes/Problems: Pitfalls Obtaining the building that is to house the production facility and base of operations has been a major obstacle. Prior to obtaining funding the team had several meetings with the city of Petersburg’s city Manager, Zoning Committee, Fire Chief, and Mayor to determine a suitable location to house the facility if we were awarded funds. There were concerns that if the university leased the building directly from the city, the project would be stalled because of state regulations and approvals so the decision was made to collaborate with a local church that is adjacent to the property. This was a good fit because the church’s community outreach goals aligned very nicely with the goals of the project. We would use a portion of the building and the church would utilize the rest for other health related programs. After we received word that we had been awarded funding, the plan was set in motion. The idea was for the city to lease the building to the church (non-profit) and the university would sublease space from the church. The non-profit status of the church would bypass many of the state regulations that would have been an issue. December, 2012 a draft lease was drawn and sent to the university’s legal counsel for feedback and assistance in preparing the document with the proper language. After three months the team was advised to change the agreement to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) rather than a lease. Working with the church’s board we followed legal counsel’s advice and developed an MOU and in February, 2013 submitted it for review and feedback. May, 2013 the team was contacted by the purchasing department with questions about the decision to use a MOU rather than a lease. It was at this time that the University’s real estate department took over. In July, 2013 the real Estate department determines that a MOU is indeed the best course of action for this project. Shortly thereafter the team receives a list of questions related to economic development assessments and a whole lot of questions outside of the realm of anyone on the team’s expertise. After several meetings we hit a brick wall. August, 2013 Purchasing informs the team that we cannot move forward until yet another set of questions, beyond the scope of our expertise was answered. Currently we are working with an outside consultant to fix the language in the MOU to meet the university’s concerns and standards. Once this document is reviewed and approved we will be able to move into the building hopefully the first of October. In addition to the building obstacle, there were issues with the release of funding, due to a number of issues such as sequestration, unallowable cost, and miscommunications. Most of these issues were not resolved until July, 2013. Despite the obstacles of getting in the building the team has made progress. In January a search for a Project director was launched. We interviewed applicants and identified a director. This person will be on board by the end of September. The team has met with the University’s development division to assist in finding consultants to help install the solar equipment needed for the project. Once we are able to move into the building, we will be able to start work immediately. In addition state approved vendors have also been identified so that the equipment needed for the project can be ordered once the facility is approved. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training With the obstacles of getting in the building we have not been able to train as many students in the first year as hoped. However four undergraduates have assisted with installing systems in the schools, writing curriculum and developing posters. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Posters Presentations What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Sept 2013 Get MOU approved Sept 2013 Began Marketing Survey analysis (CSA’s) Oct 2013 Move in Oct 2013 Hire Solar Energy Consultants Oct 2013 Hire Consultants/contractors to design and install equipment Dec 2013 Complete installation/facilities equipped Nov 2013-on going Educational Outreach/developing curriculum Jan 2014 Stock Fish Tanks with Tilapia Feb 2014 Plant Crops March 2014 Collecting growth data May 2014 Harvest Fish June 2014 Harvest first round of crops/replant 4-H Entrepreneurship July 2014-ongoing Conduct Nutrition classes/ family relate programming
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Develop and conducted educational programming Uanticipated outcomes: Collaborations and “integrated” knowledge developed Several collaborative relationships have developed as a result of this project. In addition to the aforementioned collaboration with schools, teachers and districts, a relationship between Biology, Engineering, Computer Science and Agriculture was established with the writing of a proposal that was awarded to study Green Roofs. The objectives are as follows: 1. Develop a model that will help greenhouse growers calculate costs and benefits of LED lighting systems that will allow them to expand greenhouse operations into the cooler months. 2. Determine which crops have the greatest potential to contribute to cooling and shading effects for hydroponic green roof systems. 3. Initial quantification of energy and water needs to inform the design of a rooftop hydroponic system. The outcomes of this project will benefit the Sustainable Urban Agriculture project by improving the efficiency of our solar panels. This project has been funded for three years and the plan is to install a green roof on the building used in the production facility of our project. We hope to collaborate with other groups to conduct energy research that will benefit the Urban Agriculture project.
Publications
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