Apr 19, 2016

Growers Supply Hosting Two CEA Workshops By Jasmina Dolce

Are you contemplating expanding your production to include a controlled environment agriculture component? Growers Supply, a leader in greenhouse structures and hydroponic systems, will be hosting two CEA Hands-On Workshops in the coming weeks.

The first will take place on April 27 to 29 at the company’s CEA Learning Center East in South Windsor, Connecticut. The second is scheduled for May 17 to 19 at the CEA Learning Center West in Dyersville, Iowa.

The CEA Learning Center East features three hydroponic grow rooms that have been designed and built inside the company’s warehouse. These rooms are dedicated to the production of fruiting and flowering crops, leafy greens and hydroponic fodder. The CEA Learning Center West features two commercial scale greenhouses, one for hydroponics and one for aquaponics, along with a hydroponic fodder building and two livestock facilities.

Each workshop offers attendees a three-day schedule in which Growers Supply experts and industry specialists educate attendees on the latest trends in new and innovative growing techniques. Cost is $995 for the full three days and includes hotel stay, lunch every day and a complete course workbook.

Upon completion of the workshop, each attendee will receive a $995 credit that can be used towards the purchase of any controlled environment product.

To learn more about the CEA workshops and to register, click here.

— Jasmina

Missouri Greenhouse Project to Provide Education and Employment

Lettuce Dream Inc., a non-profit organization formed to provide employment options for individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities, is building two vegetable greenhouses in Maryville, Missouri. It seeks to recreate a successful hydroponics operation established by a New Jersey initiative, Arthur & Friends. East Side Development donated nearly 3 acres of land for Lettuce Dream’s construction. Planning for the project began about three years ago; operations will start this summer.

China-Based iGrow Aims to Bring Hydroponic Gardening to US

iGrow announced on April 4 that it will be making its hydroponic garden products widely available to more than 20 countries around the globe. The iGrow intelligent hydroponics garden system uses semi-aerosol cultivation techniques and LED lighting to promote growth. The company completed its first round of funding in November 2015 and is slated to begin its second round in mid-2016. iGrow currently has a presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Sustainability and Innovation Hub Opens on PA College Campus

Montgomery County Community College has expanded its campus with the grand opening of the new Sustainability and Innovation Hub at its West campus in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. One of the primary new features of the building is the aquaponics lab and hydroponics green wall, which will allow students to grow fish and soilless plants through a mutually beneficial system.