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Agriculture and Farming
EnviroIngenuity Announces Solar-Powered Hydroponic Vertical Farm at Bluebird Canyon Family Farm
July 30, 2012
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 30, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, EnviroIngenuity’s Urban Hydroponic Vertical Farming Division announced the completion of Laguna Beach’s first solar-powered, hydroponic vertical farm. It is located on the private Bluebird Canyon Family Farm property, the first urban organic farm in Laguna Beach with a view of the Pacific.
EnviroIngenuity’s hydroponic vertical farm takes up just 260 sq. ft. and houses 22 Verti-Gro™ towers growing more than 750 plants. The compact design was implemented to demonstrate how easy it is to own and operate a private semi-commercial vertical farm within a residential location. The automated watering system runs twice daily for five minutes and is powered by a single solar panel and battery storage system designed by Mike Sadler from Lighthouse Solar. The same Verti-Gro™ system has been featured at the Epcot™ theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for 16 years.
“This system uses no soil, 90 percent less water, 70 percent less land and 50 percent less fertilizer than traditional organic farming,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Verti-Gro™ hydroponic commercial and home garden systems produce clean, natural food much faster and conserve resources. Designed to be off-the-grid, this installation opens up many new possibilities to really push the concept of sustainability forward.”
The Verti-Gro™ systems virtually eliminate the use of pesticides, ensuring healthier food on the plates in restaurants and in homes.
“Leafy greens are one of the single most nutrient-rich foods on the planet,” said Cutter. “Our simple system grows powerful, healthy greens that can benefit everyone who wishes to feel better and avoid chronic illnesses.”
Localized high-yield vertical gardens also eliminate the need to transport food from the distant field to the store and then to the home, cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 90 percent.
About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. Learn more at: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com/ .
News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .
Green Planet Productions Films EnviroIngenuity’s Hydroponic Vertical Farms for Sustainability Feature
July 23, 2012
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 23, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, EnviroIngenuity’s Hydroponic Vertical Farming Division announced its participation in a Green Planet Productions special feature on sustainable living.
A film crew from Green Planet visited two of EnviroIngenuity’s hydroponic vertical farms on July 3. They interviewed Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity, who is leading a local team of urban farmers to develop high-yield, resource-efficient hydroponic vertical farming processes in California.
“Green Planet Productions has always produced influential environmental films and its productions have inspired many people to invest in new energy efficient technologies and reduce wasteful habits,” said Cutter. “Their production team was top-notch and we enjoyed showing them how we are making a difference.”
Green Planet Productions is a Santa Monica-based film studio specializing in environmental documentaries that are spreading awareness on ways to live more sustainably. In 2008, their documentary “FUEL” received an Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. “The Big Fix” was an “Official Selection” of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
“Three years of research and testing of hydroponic vertical farming systems led me to the conclusion that Verti-Gro offers the most easy-to-use food growing process with the best yield and most efficient use of resources and space,” said Cutter. “I am happy to see that Green Planet Productions felt our work in this area was important enough to capture on film.”
EnviroIngenuity recently completed two 22-tower systems with nearly 1,000 plants, each on private properties in Laguna Beach, and is working now on developing its new commercial demonstration center in Laguna Canyon to be completed this summer. Each location utilizes the Verti-Gro® system, featured at the Epcot® theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for the past 16 years.
“The Verti-Gro system uses no soil, 90 percent less water, 70 percent less land and 50 percent less fertilizer than traditional organic farming,” said Cutter. “Verti-Gro hydroponic commercial and home garden systems produce clean, natural food much faster than traditional farming and allow plants to grow bigger and stronger. These systems are especially effective in small urban spaces and can be set up to recirculate and automatically water the plants for even greater resource efficiency.”
Both the residential and commercial Verti-Gro® systems virtually eliminate the need for pesticides, increasing affordable access to locally grown, natural produce.
“Green Planet will help us teach young people that they can grow clean food using the Verti-Gro system, thus connecting them to where their food comes from,” said Cutter. “Hydroponic vertical farming allows us to create jobs by developing urban farming entrepreneurs who will grow local and sell healthier, great tasting produce within their local communities.”
About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies.
More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com/ .
- PHOTO Caption: Red leaf lettuce grown in a Verti-Gro® hydroponic vertical system.
News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .
EnviroIngenuity Announces Plans for Hydroponic Vertical Farm Demonstration Center in Laguna Beach
May 29, 2012
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., May 29, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — EnviroIngenuity’s urban hydroponic vertical farming division today announced plans to develop a hydroponic vertical farming demonstration center in Laguna Beach. The Verti-Gro® system, featured at the Epcot® theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for the last 16 years, will be employed at the new demonstration facility.
“This will be the first urban demonstration center on the west coast featuring the Verti-Gro system, a surprisingly simple and cost-effective food production process which has been featured at the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot theme park for 16 years,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “As the Southern California distributor of Verti-Gro products, we took a trip to Florida to see the attraction and it became immediately clear to me that Southern California needs to get more involved in high-yield, resource efficient local food production and be able to see a working model in action. The Verti-Gro system used throughout the East Coast for the last 16 years represents the ultimate in simple-to-use, high-tech growing of fruits, vegetables and flowers.”
The Living With the Land attraction is a boat ride focused on the history of U.S. agriculture and showcases many new sustainable technologies and ideas designed to make food production more resource efficient and environmentally friendly. Numerous Verti-Gro hydroponic towers are featured in the exhibit’s main greenhouse, which demonstrates leading-edge concepts about the future of agriculture. It is situated next to other futuristic growing systems, including aeroponic systems, which spray a nutrient mist onto the exposed roots of the plant, and aquaponic systems, in which fish and plants thrive together in a symbiotic, closed-loop system that mimics the natural environment.
“In Laguna Beach, we have many discriminating foodies who demand locally-grown, clean, natural food, rich in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements,” said Cutter. “I am certainly one of them! And knowing where your food comes from and consuming it fresh greatly reduces disease-triggering processes and strengthens the body’s immune system.”
According to Cutter, the Verti-Gro system has been proven to grow high-quality, great tasting food faster and more efficiently than any other system on the market he has researched and tested.
EnviroIngenuity’s Verti-Gro® hydroponic commercial and home garden systems dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, natural produce while reducing water use by over 85 percent, land use by 70 percent and fertilizer consumption by 50 percent and completely eliminating pesticide use. High-yield vertical home gardens eliminate the need to transport food from the field to the store and then to the home, cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 90 percent. Commercial Verti-Gro® hydroponic vertical farms enjoy the same resource efficiencies.
About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. Information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com.
News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
Health Experts Advocate for Patients to Heal and Prevent Disease through Locally-Grown Natural Foods
April 4, 2012
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., April 4, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — EnviroIngenuity today added two health experts to its urban hydroponic vertical farming division. Dr. Dave Williams and Dr. Steven Dreyer join EnviroIngenuity.
Dr. Dave Williams, MD, MPH, Board Certified in Preventive Medicine is completed his residency at Loma Linda University in 2001 and serves as the Medical Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine, Inc., a clinic that helps patients optimize health through assessment, education and therapeutic lifestyle measures that improve health and reduce risk for disease.
“Medical science has shown that the major chronic diseases affecting Western societies are due to underlying processes transpiring in our bodies,” said Dr. Williams. “Hydroponic vertical farming processes results in clean, natural food that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Consuming fresh, unprocessed, locally-grown produce reduces disease-triggering processes. By making these healthy nutritional lifestyle choices, we can strengthen our body’s immune systems and combined with more exercise and rest, we can all dramatically improve how we feel and enjoy life.”
Dr. Steven Dreyer, DC, FACO also joined the EnviroIngenuity team. An expert in providing specialty care for complicated injuries to the neck, back, and joints, Dr. Dreyer has incorporated extensive nutritional counseling, exercise and preventive health care programs into his practice. He provides intensive personal one-hour nutritional consultations with functional laboratory analysis incorporated.
“EnviroIngenuity’s hydroponic vertical farming processes allow people a way to heal themselves by growing their own pesticide-free produce in very small spaces,” said Dr. Dreyer. “When we eat fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, we benefit from a greater concentration of enzymes and nutrients that can be lost during the food distribution process. What really intrigues me is the way kids take to the vertical home gardens. One day I hope to see my own kids comparing the quality of the produce they grow with each other and understand why it is so important to eat fresh greens.”
EnviroIngenuity’s Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic commercial and home garden systems dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, natural produce while reducing water use by 85 percent, land use by 70 percent and fertilizer consumption by 50 percent and completely eliminating pesticide use. High-yield vertical home gardens eliminate the need to transport food from the field to the store and then to the home, cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 90 percent. Commercial Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic vertical farms enjoy the same resource efficiencies.
“For years I’ve wanted to find a fun way to engage youth with science and technology and assist them to become more conscious of how natural processes work and why. I’m particularly interested in teaching them how to grow natural, clean food and for them to connect with where their food comes from. When youth they learn early the simple processes of growing food, they develop many valuable skill-sets that can help them throughout their life. Hydroponic vertical home gardens do all that and more plus provide a fun, healthy activity for parents to interact with their kids.” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Hydroponic vertical farming can correct many shortcomings in the modern American diet by helping families to grow nutritious, flavorful fruits and vegetables at home on a year-round basis.”
About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies.
EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .
News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
Farm of the Future Opens to the Public on Saturday, March 17
March 5, 2012
TEMECULA, Calif., March 5, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms, Southern California’s first commercial hydroponic urban vertical farm, partners with EnviroIngenuity to promote new production techniques. On Saturday, March 17, 2012, the public will experience the future of farming at the grand opening of Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms, Southern California’s first hydroponic vertical strawberry farm. More than 11,250 Verti-Gro “towers” produce large sweet strawberries, using less than 85 percent of the water required in traditional row production.
The Grand Opening celebration is open to the public on Saturday March 17, 2012, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms (in Rainbow Valley), located at 5452 5th Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Tel (951) 212-5805
Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is the first commercial strawberry farm in Southern California to employ vertical hydroponic farming, which promises to change agricultural technology. The Fietz’s three-acre farm, located in Temecula’s Rainbow Valley, would not have been possible due to a lack of water. After drilling their well, they were able to pump just 20 gallons per minute, not nearly enough to grow strawberries commercially.
“An unforeseen water shortage rendered this property unfarmable without vertical hydroponic technology,” said Ken Fietz, Sr. “The Verti-Gro equipment is far more cost effective than the competition and uses 85 percent less water than row farming.”
Vertical farming methods save space, energy and water resources. Just as important, the berries are picked by the consumers on site, removing fuel and transportation costs.
“People no longer have to visit the Epcot Center to see the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr. “I’ve been in the strawberry industry for 40 years and water and pesticides have always been huge issues. Add in lots of manual labor and it’s tough to make a dime at the end of the day. Since my son, Kenny, was willing to take the reins, I helped him implement this highly efficient system that does away with lots of extra expense and reduces the use of pesticides.”
Kenny Fietz, Jr., an agricultural graduate from California State University at Chico, operates the farm with his dad and together they now nurture 45,000 strawberry plants of varying varieties on one acre using the automatic drip system and limited pesticides.
“Because the Verti-Gro system doesn’t use soil, there are no issues with soil borne diseases or pests,” said Fietz, Jr. “The hydroponic process doesn’t require the use of pesticides for these common problems. Energy requirements are also dramatically reduced and harvesting is much easier to perform when you can stand upright instead of stooping over to pick the berries.”
Future plans include developing an urban agriculture learning center offering education on growing a wide range of fruits, microgreens and vegetables using advanced hydroponic processes.
“Our vision is for families to come and enjoy a warm day outside, pick strawberries and dip them in chocolate, picnic under the shade trees, enjoy a healthy experience together and even learn about the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr.
Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is open seasonally March through August, Thursday through Sunday. Check their website at www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com for availability. There is no cost to visit. Visitors will receive a warm hello, a bucket and scissors, a quick education about strawberry harvesting and then be set free to select and harvest their own berries. The U-pick berries are priced at $3 per pound.
Last month, EnviroIngenuity announced a partnership with Verti-Gro® to represent and promote hydroponic vertical farming systems throughout Southern California.
Verti-Gro Inc. designs and manufactures cost-effective, high density hydroponic growing systems. It offers stacked towers to suit large-scale commercial production needs which can be downsized for residential use and Community Supported Agriculture.
About Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms:
The family-owned and operated farm produces strawberries using the highly efficient Verti-Gro hydroponic system. This innovative farming process provides many earth-kind benefits. Their U-pick model offers families the opportunity to pick the freshest, sweetest berries, as well as experience first-hand how they grow. The fun, interactive farm is a great place for the whole family. Whether you come to pick sweet fruit, learn more about farming, enjoy a picnic or grab a few strawberry goodies at their strawberry store, The Fietz family promises you won’t be disappointed. Plan your visit at http://www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com .
About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .
News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
U.S. Department of Agriculture Awards iFOS Multi-Year Contract to Provide Professional Support Services for Financial Computer Systems
February 24, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 24, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS), LLC, announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Agency has awarded a multi-year contract to provide application development, maintenance and support for the agency national financial systems.
Other project objectives include management and support of national web sites and production related duties in addition to providing helpdesk services to customers. Through the Financial Computer Systems Support contract, iFOS will provide programming and user support by maintaining and/or improving the agency’s Working Capital Fund (WCF) report center website and assisting end users in obtaining the required reports for operational decision-making. These services will be part of the Forest Service efforts to maintain and improve reporting efforts of the agency-wide financial operations.
The firm will also conduct and monitor full-scope Certification and Accreditation (C&A) program phases that integrate into the agency specific System Development Lifecycle (SDLC). This effort will continue to provide the agency with an understanding of how C&A corresponds to the overall implementation of a system within the Forest Service environment. iFOS delivers formally documented recommendations on overall security posture enhancements for public systems.
“iFOS looks forward to providing dedicated expertise at government agencies like U.S. Forest Service. The entire firm is excited on receiving the Financial Computer Systems award. It demonstrates our ability as a small business is able to deliver big results,” commented Tawanda M. Smith, President and CEO, iFOS, LLC.
About Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS), LLC:
Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS)(R) Managing Consultants, LLC is a 8(a) certified, woman-owned small business of staff augmentation, management consulting and training of Accounting, Acquisition, Grants and Financial Management Support Services. iFOS offers specialized Business and Financial Management Solutions to help public agencies and other organizations with their oversight responsibilities of pre-audit readiness, business intelligence and analytics and electronic modernization of public systems. The company professionals have 100+ combined years of prior public service expertise and have successfully completed assignments to improve the quality of fiscal programs including the oversight, maintenance, administration, reporting and audit of complex public operations.
The company is headquartered in Clarksville, Maryland. For more information, visit: http://www.ifoscorp.com .
News Source: Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
