Demonstration of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA);

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) crops are available out of season, have high quality, and can be grown without the use of pesticides. More than $1 billion in fresh vegetables are imported into New York State each year.

This project, conducted in conjunction with Cornell University, of Ithaca (Tompkins County), developed a greenhouse module that can produce 1,200 heads of lettuce perday. The model is demonstrating the crop production as a commercial enterprise by tracking cost and revenue.

This lettuce module provides fresh and healthy food to New Yorkers at a commodity price that is competitive with lettuce imported from California or Florida.

The facility will serve as a training center for future operators across New York.

NYSERDA has co-funded this project to build and operate the module.

Benefits Include:

• Fresh and healthy food to the people of New York State;
• Less money "exported" from New York to buy imported goods;
• Increase in the local economy.
  

Results to Date:

• Greenhouse module has been operational
  for more than a year;
• Production at 1,000 heads per day has been maintained.

For more information about these services, contact NYSERDA toll free 1-866-NYSERDA, locally (518) 862-1090.

17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399    Toll-Free: 1-866-NYSERDA or Local: 518-862-1090    Fax: 518-862-1091
New York City and Buffalo Regional Offices

© 2004 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority