Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is where we grow faster and more efficiently, using less water and nutrients by controlling the inputs such as light, temperature, pH, water, and nutrient delivery. A lot of people know about CEA as hydroponics. Ohio’s #1 industry is agriculture and our fastest growing segment is controlled environment agriculture. Ohio is now the number TWO state in the nation in the indoor production of fruit, vegetables, and herbs! There is a lot of opportunity in agriculture. My largest program is engaging youth in agriculture in workforce development in their classrooms so they can see if agriculture is something they enjoy as a possible career. I have a ton of information to share about CEA for you to learn more.
Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons is a USDA NIFA grant project that created a guidebook with supplemental online modules to engage teachers and students in schools in agriculture. It was pilot tested by 46 teachers from Columbus City Schools so it is data-driven and teacher informed. Reach out to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu if you would like to get GTS into your schools to engage your kiddos in agriculture.
- Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons Guidebook – academic calendar based, indoor and outdoor growing to engage kiddos at school in agriculture.
- GTS Online Modules – free online series of 20 modules with kid-friendly videos to teach how to grow.
Hydroponics at Home! Did you know you can grow all year long using hydroponics in your home? It is fun and easy. Check out this video to learn more about Home Hydroponics.
Extension Today at Howlett – OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has classes on controlled environment agriculture in our Horticulture and Crop Sciences Department. Learn more about what the students are doing in this video.
Extension Today at the CEARC – come take a tour of OSU’s brand new research greenhouse, the CEARC!
Want to learn more? Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu