The Future Of Farming, Growing Food 24/7/365, Weather Doesnt Matter
Agriculture+Technology+Employment = \u2018Win, Win, Win\u2019 \nBy Richard Hunt \nStudents at a number of high schools in Appalachia are getting a leg-up on technology and a possible future career through the generosity of AppHarvest, providing \u201ccontainer farms\u201d free-of-charge to help students understand hydroponics, literally farming without dirt. The refurbished shipping containers are controlled by an app, and maintain perfect growing weather inside 24/47, with no concerns about frost, hail, drought, or pests. \n\nBeyond the school support, AppHarvest has some huge facilities in place doing the same thing. Their first facility near Morehead, Kentucky is \u201c60 acres under glass, 2.8-million square feet, and about 50 football fields inside.\u201d CEO Jonathan Webb says to picture \u201ctomatoes growing vertically, we\u2019re using AI (artificial intelligence) and robotics\u2026and ultimately we\u2019re able to use 90% less water than open-field agriculture."