The Peoria Tribe Starts Large Greenhouse Project in Oklahoma
October 3, 2024 According to peoriatribe.com, the Peoria Tribe of Indians broke ground on a 35,000 square-foot greenhouse in Miami, Oklahoma on October 1, 2024. Once construction is complete in the spring of 2025, the Peoria Tribe will grow produce year-round using hydroponics and other soilless methods. They expect growing under protection will yield more vegetables than traditional field production.
The food grown in the Peoria Tribe Greenhouse will provide fresh produce for local restaurants, childcare facilities, and elder care programs. The site will also work towards the Tribe’s goal of providing more job opportunities with healthy working environments.
Greenhouse Manager Sam Doty has overseen the development of the greenhouse and will oversee the facility once it’s built. Doty holds a master’s degree in Horticulture and teaches greenhouse management at both the University of Arkansas and Utah Valley University. He has a background in managing greenhouses and organic vegetable farms, and feels strongly about making a positive impact through his work.
“I grew up working in my parents’ greenhouses and floral shops, and was raised with a deep respect and passion for what this greenhouse will do,” said Greenhouse Manager Sam Doty. “I don’t take the responsibility of being a steward for this resource lightly. We’re going to be growing what our kids eat, what we all need to live, so we’re going to make sure we do that efficiently and with great care.”
When complete, the greenhouse will have over 24,000 square feet of growing space for leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries.
“This greenhouse and the entire site will be a game-changer,” said Peoria Tribe Chief Craig Harper. “It will empower both our commercial enterprises and our Tribal operations to rely less on external resources and allow us to direct these newly developed resources to where they are needed. Like our cattle ranch, this greenhouse will contribute to the self-sufficiency and sovereignty that we’ve been moving towards in all our operations.”
Construction quickly began following the groundbreaking ceremony on October 1, 2024. When the greenhouse is officially built, it will be one of the largest greenhouses in the area.