Agtech solutions with The Agrarian Group in Hawaii

GREENandSAVE Staff

Posted on Monday 20th June 2022
Agtech Solutions for Hawaii

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An increasingly viable solution for climate change is Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), implemented across the U.S., in states likes Hawaii.

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 Hawaii, visit The Agrarian Group

Agtech solutions can help solve the challenges we face.

Here is an example of Agtech Solutions in Hawaii:

MetroGrow Hawaii vertical farming blends agriculture and technology

Honolulu (KHON2) – Hawaii’s first indoor vertical farm MetroGrow Hawaii has found new markets for its microgreens since the pandemic affected business with hotels and restaurants.

Prior to the Pandemic, Metro Grow Hawaii was servicing multiple restaurant accounts and had to pivot by increasing online sales and focusing more on growing leafy greens and less garnishes. MetroGrow Hawaii produces over a dozen different types of microgreens such as arugula, kale, and cilantro, specialty greens like baby watercress and basil, and various types of shoots. 

“Since this system doesn’t rely on actual land to grow produce, it is a perfect option for growing food in urban and city areas,” says Founder Kerry Kakazu. “The demand for locally produced food is on the rise, and the public is aware of how agriculture fits into the local economy. By setting an example of a successful alternative farming operation, we hope to not only demonstrate that growing your own food is possible without agricultural land, but also inspire others to take part.”

Jesse Cooke, Vice President of Investments and Analytics, Ulupono Initiative adds, “There are about 7,328 farmers operating across the state, with only six percent having a net income greater than $50,000. And, in 2017, more than half of local farmers operated at a loss.” 

Cooke is  pleased with the outcome of the past legislative session. By requiring its larger institutions – such as DOE schools, hospitals, and prisons –to purchase a percentage of locally produced food, the state is supporting Ulupono Initiative’s local agricultural industry and making fresh, healthy foods more accessible to a larger population.

 

 

 

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