An increasingly viable solution for climate change is Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), implemented across the U.S., in states likes Connecticut.
The water, energy, and food security nexus is a real and present problem.
Here are some highlights from the website of The Agrarian Group:
As a species, we face the most complex and deadly problems we have ever encountered. Erratic weather events caused by climate change destroy crop yields each year. Pesticides have ruined our soil and water scarcity has become a national security issue. 70% of food cost is linked to fossil fuels, and prices are only expected to rise. The average food item travels 1500 miles to reach it's destination. However, despite everything we do, 40% of all food in the United States is thrown away post-harvest.
Why
The Agrarian Group was started as an answer to a question - How will we feed the projected 9.1 Billion people that will reside on earth in 2050? To achieve this, we need to increase our already stressed agricultural production by 70%. How do we grow better?
To learn more about Vertical Farming for states like Connecticut, visit The Agrarian Group
Agtech solutions can help solve the challenges we face.
Here is an example of Agtech Solutions in Connecticut:
UConn supports Connecticut’s Greenhouse Industry – An Integral Part of Agriculture
The Romans used controlled environments in 30 A.D. to grow a predecessor of the cucumber; it was the start of the modern-day greenhouse industry. Today, greenhouses are still essential for growing crops. The ongoing research in controlled environment agriculture is creating innovative technologies that maximize the efficiency of agricultural inputs and land use. These innovations provide key solutions to climate adaptation and production demands, including helping food crops transition from open field production to controlled environment agriculture.
Greenhouses in Connecticut represent over one third of the state’s vibrant $4.7 billion agricultural economy and are integral to the success of all agricultural businesses, according to a study by Farm Credit East conducted in 2021. The total economic impact of the 583 greenhouse businesses in the state was $390 million in 2020.
“Greenhouses are critical to the infrastructure that supports all of our state’s farms,” says Interim UConn President Radenka Maric. “The innovation and technology developed in greenhouses also allows growers to be industry leaders in the state and throughout the country. UConn is committed to helping bolster this industry and our farmers through controlled environment agriculture.”
Researchers and educators from UConn Extension within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) support greenhouse businesses in greenhouse production, water conservation, integrated pest management, and innovative technology.
“Our work with the greenhouse industry ensures a vibrant and sustainable agriculture industry,” says Dean Indrajeet Chaubey from CAHNR . “Greenhouses advance innovative, sustainable approaches to agriculture that align with local resources and markets, while helping expand production and contributing to the state economy.”
