UF Celebrates New “Smart Garden” in Citra
August 30, 2024 University of Florida (UF) officials celebrated and toured the new “Smart Garden” at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra on August 19, 2024. This 320-square-foot agricultural pod has been described as a “shipping container,” and will grow fruits and vegetables hydroponically.
UF Officials touring the Smart Garden. | Photo: University of Florida
“It’s essentially a shipping container similar to one used to ship goods from Asia or Europe to the United States,” said James Boyer, PSREU director of research administration.
Ying Zhang, UF/IFAS assistant professor of controlled environments, is leading a team of researchers studying indoor agriculture techniques by growing lettuce inside the Smart Garden. The team marked its first harvest earlier this month.
Boyer said he expects the garden to produce 500 heads of lettuce a week, and the food will be transported to Gainesville for use by the Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry.
The Citra Smart Garden is funded by a collaboration between Clay Electric Cooperative, Seminole Electric Cooperative and EPRI, an independent, nonprofit energy research and development organization. In 2022, Seminole Electric, EPRI and Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative funded a similar project at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak.
By outfitting the pods with efficient HVAC, lighting, water pump and dehumidification systems, the electric companies hope to better understand indoor agriculture’s impact on the electric grid.
“Indoor agriculture is a rapidly emerging industry across the U.S.,” said David Porter, EPRI’s vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy. “Within the indoor agriculture industry, we are seeing a rapid evolution of efficient and innovative designs, technologies and solutions that help deliver nutritional crops year-round.”
Although Seminole Electric currently owns the Smart Garden, it will become UF property after two years.