The National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded a $723,078 Project Grant to the University of California Office of the President under the Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education, and Extension Initiative program.
Through this award, the University of California will investigate best practices for controlled environment agricultural systems suitable for small-scale urban food production. Specifically, the University will establish and study greenhouse, high tunnel, and container-based systems to determine optimal management practices for water, nutrients, and pest control. Additionally, economic analyses will identify which systems are financially viable. The University will also locate available urban land parcels and coordinate with local governments to outline applicable rules for agricultural use.
As deliverables, the University will produce a comprehensive guide on establishing and operating various controlled environment systems at a small scale for urban settings. The guide will include scale-appropriate management recommendations and cost analyses. A mapping tool will also be created to help growers identify suitable land parcels and ensure regulatory compliance. All outputs will be disseminated through the University's Cooperative Extension system and collaborating local resource conservation districts.
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