METROCROPS, LLC — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase II: In the northeast there is an under-fulfilled year round demand for fresh, locally grown pr

Description

In the northeast there is an under-fulfilled year round demand for fresh, locally grown produce. The demand is partially measured by the steady growth (13% per year nationally) of farmers & #39; markets since 1995. Urban centers (cities) in the industrial northeast have a large inventory of under-utilized, structurally sound factory buildings of various sizes which are of little or no economic value. These same cities have high levels of unemployment. If the technology can be developed to create small to medium size economically viable urban, high density indoor (UHDI) farms, locally grown produce can be made more available in urban centers. Additionally, under-utilized factory buildings can be reused, and new urban, year-round, non-minimum wage, non-outsourcable jobs can be created. This research project will seek to identify the factors that will boost the phytonutrient levels of MetroCrops & trade; mesclun lettuce mix while efficiently using LED technology. Experiments that quantify time of exposure, various light color, timing of light duration, total energy, and timing of plant growth cycle will be performed. Additionally, because the proposed product is a live lettuce packaged mesclun mix, very consistent growth measured by weight and height is necessary for the product to be commercially viable. Consistency will be tested precisely by varying light levels, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels and formulations. Also, because the product will be sold wholesale directly to retailers year round, availability (barring severe natural disasters) must be nearly flawless. If the project is successful small and medium size UHDI farms are viable derelict urban buildings can be repurposed into UHDI farm locations new UHDI locations will rejuvenate city economies by contributing to the tax rolls UHDI farms will create new, green, non-minimum wage jobs in urban neighborhoods which will lower the unemployment rate in cities locally grown, high quality salad greens will be available year round to the local urban population and the immediate suburban population