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Kentucky State University (KSU) was awarded $250,000 and $130,000 in grants for a total of $380,000 by the US Department for Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service to conduct urban agriculture research with a focus on controlled environment agriculture. The projects titled, “Screening Tomatoes and Swiss Chard Varieties that are Suitable for Controlled Environment Agriculture” and “Effect of Light and Nutrients Application on Phytonutrients Accumulations Among Two Varieties of Watercress,” will be led by Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Assistant Professor for Urban Agriculture and Controlled Environment Agriculture at KSU.

Controlled Environment Agriculture is a method of farming that relies on technology-based approaches to control aspects of farming such as lighting, water and water. This innovative method can minimize risk of pests and disease while also supporting the best growing conditions for crops. The method is of special interest in urban agriculture research which seeks to maximize food production with limited space and resources, hence the significance of Dr. Nzaramyimana’s research.

“Coming 50 years from now, we might run out of land, so we really need to be using greenhouses to produce food and support growing populations especially. [Some people] will want to produce. Where are they going to produce with how much the land is costing now? So, if you want to start [growing], it’s hard if you want to buy land right now. [With controlled environment agriculture] somebody can start with a small greenhouse in their backyard and be able to produce and sell to the local community and make money by using lights, nutrients, and a small area. That’s why I see controlled environment is the way to go,” said Dr. Nzaramyimana.

Research will be conducted in Wooster, OH; Toledo, OH; and Charleston, SC. Additionally, the grants will enable four KSU graduate students to be supported as research associates, paying for students’ tuition, fees, publication, and research costs during their respective projects.

Kentucky State University is an equal opportunity provider.