Grow it Forward in Manitowoc is in the process of doubling its already impressive hydroponic farm capabilities.
The local organization was named the recipient of an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grant through the USDA.
Amber Daugs, the Executive Director of Grow it Forward told us that through this grant, they were able to add 24 new stand-alone hydroponic farms to their current 27-strong operation.
She told Seehafer News, “Over the next three years, we are going to be working on increasing our capacity in our hydroponic farm so that we are self-sufficient through this farming operation.”
Daugs told us that they bought these farms from Fork Farms in Green Bay, which actually sold Grow it Forward their first hydroponic tower in 2020.
“That indoor hydroponic tower allows us to grow up to 15 to 20 pounds of fresh produce every 28 to 30 days,” she explained.
So with this major expansion, Grow it Forward will be able to produce even more fresh produce every week.
In their current production schedule, Daugs said they collect from six towers per week, “which had been showing a production of about 80 to 100 pounds of leafy greens per week. With this expansion of the farm, obviously, we are going to be able to double our capacity.”
These fresh veggies are then sold to local restaurants, such as the Courthouse Pub, and Brix, sold in Café Harmony, located in the former worship space at 1501 Marshal Street, and also given to those who take advantage of Grow It Forward’s food pantry service.
To learn more about Grow it Forward, stop on in, or visit Grow-It-Forward.org.
