United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota marked a milestone in sustainable agriculture earlier this month with the opening of its net-zero greenhouse, the first to be operated by a tribal college. This innovatively designed facility, powered entirely by solar energy, increases the accessibility of culturally relevant crops by offering a year-round growing season. Net-zero construction aims to achieve a balance of zero emissions, prioritizing energy efficiency while utilizing renewable energy sources.
"We hope this will spark inspiration throughout Indian County," Mervin Packineau, Three Affiliated Tribes treasurer, and Northeast Segment representative, said during the facility's opening ceremony on Friday, Aug. 2.
Packineau referenced MHA Nation's recent greenhouse initiative to power hydroponic growing systems via captured natural gas. The UTTC greenhouse will grow tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce for the campus community to eat in the cafe, Theodore Jamerson Elementary School cafeteria, or in free refrigerators throughout campus buildings.
The year-round availability of local fresh produce is significant in a state with a four-month growing season, UTTC Land Grant Director Edwin Kitzes told Buffalo's Fire. Students in the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program will get hands-on experience in crop production, as well as valuable industry experience operating greenhouse climate and water systems. The facility will also serve as a nursery for culturally relevant plants used for medicine and in ceremonies.
Read more: inforum.com