A hydroponics greenhouse is planned to be built this spring in North Platte to supply fresh produce to the area.
Las Mañanitas Community Advocates has received a $15,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America through FCS's "Working Here" grant program. The funds will be used to build a hydroponics greenhouse on a three-acre plot of land just east of the Poplar St. viaduct on the north side of North Platte.
Adi Dobbins, the director of Las Mañanitas Community Advocates, said, "We've had conversations with several local restaurants, and we're excited to secure partnerships with them to rent plots in the greenhouse. The fresh produce will be featured in their menus, bringing high-quality, locally grown ingredients to North Platte. Additionally, we will be growing microgreen sprouts in the greenhouse, providing a nutrient-rich addition to the produce we offer."
The greenhouse is slated for construction in late spring and is one part of a larger, three-phase project, Dobbins said. The organization would like to build a community center and a business incubator to support local entrepreneurs. In addition to selling fresh produce and microgreens, the greenhouse will host farm-to-table workshops, educate the community on modern agricultural practices, and offer a weekly produce giveaway to those in need.
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