3D Model of Sustainability ™ - Enterprise
Research shows that there are massive areas of the United States (both urban and suburban areas) that are considered food deserts.
A FOOD DESERT is an area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food. In contrast, an area with greater access to supermarkets and vegetable shops with fresh foods may be called a food oasis. The designation considers the type and the quality of food available to the population, in addition to the accessibility of the food through the size and the proximity of the food stores. (https://en.wikipedia.org)
Some More Facts (USDA):
About 23.5 million people live in food deserts. Nearly half of them are also low-income. Approximately 2.3 million people (2.2% of all US households) live in low-income, rural areas that are more than 10 miles from a supermarket.
Residents living in food deserts also have a hard time finding foods that are culturally relevant and that meet their dietary restrictions.
People living in the poorest SES (social-economic status) areas have 2.5 times the exposure to fast-food restaurants as those living in the wealthiest areas. With limited options, many people living in food deserts get meals from fast-food restaurants.
You can find food deserts near you with the USDA’s new food desert locator map.
There are many untapped opportunities to work in the agricultural world using both soil and soil-less farming. Agriculture Technology (AgTech) continues to advance each year allowing farming to go to the next level. Our 3D Model of Sustainability ™ for Enterprise programs focus on AgTech, Workforce Opportunities, Career Growth, Entrepreneurship opportunities, Commercial Growing and more.
Reasons to consider our Enterprise Programming with Hydroponics:
Hydroponics uses less Space – inside your restaurant, have a ¼ acre of land, or just have some extra space you can spare, we can create a program using a Tiered Rise Garden… a pallet…or a container (based on your available space).
Hydroponics for Commercial Farming uses Science:
Light – constant control of the requirements in light that is needed for each type of crop
Water- conservation of water, reduces water usage up to 70-90% less than traditional farming
Nutrients- adding specific nutrient mixtures and water will spread the nutrients to the crops’ vs traditional farming use of soil
Start-up Costs will quickly see a Return on Investment (ROI). In our program we will show you how investing in growing your own food will give you the quickest ROI after your first few harvests.
We include suggestions for what is best to grow with your hydroponics farm from Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits and Flowers. This will also be determined by the systems you chose to move forward with as well
Consult on growing the right crop to meet the demands and needs of your local area and vicinity. This will allow you a way to determine what you can produce and sell in abundance.
Provide information on how hydroponics can provide Green Jobs to your community with sustainable year round employment.
Participants can offer internships/mentorships and give access to students to learn the complete sales cycle (starting with Manufacturing thru Marketing, Sales, and Distribution)
Trending right now: “Farm to Table Fresh”
Restaurants/Culinary Schools
Hotels/Resorts
Supermarkets/ Grocery Stores
Convention Centers/Airports
Hydroponics allows businesses to grow their own food without needing Farmable Land. Hydroponic systems can grow indoors, basements, or even rooftops. Constant accessibility to growing to leafy greens, vegetables, herbs and spices without time added for shipping to your location. Opportunities for specialty fresh produce that was limited due to shelf life. Allows for produce to be fresher than ever - no aging or wilting, harvest exactly on time. And let’s not forget- lowering food costs by supplementing with inhouse grown herbs and vegetables without any shipping costs. Adding an additional income feature if you decide to offer tours, demos and tastings. Customers will see your business is self sustainable and eco-friendly. Hydroponics uses 90% less water, eliminates need for pesticides and is good for your company’s brand image.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Direct-to-Consumer, Urban Farming
Hydroponics used for urban farming offers communities a crop to sell 365 days a year. Customers of a hydroponic farm will receive the following benefits:
Same or next day delivery to local customers
Pesticide Free & Food safe
Longer shelf life (crops can last for up to 3 weeks in refrigerator)
Consistently high-quality produce regardless of the season
Grow Unique Crops that customers can only purchase from you
Sell direct to community, farmers markets, grocery stores, restaurants - use “Fresh to Table” as an opportunity to grow your business