Considering the food insecurity that exists locally, national and internationally, Lawrenceville resident Malon E.D. James is on to something when he envisions employing hydroponics to help feed the world.
James, 14, is Georgia's youngest certified hydroponic farmer, and he's spreading the word about the benefits of hydroponics, a type of farming and gardening that requires no soil, is not reliant on climate, and is highly sustainable.
James, who is taking online agriculture classes from Central State University in Ohio, became interested in hydroponics three years ago while conducting research on the effects of the pandemic on countries like Liberia and other slow-developing countries. He noted that food insecurity is prevalent due to farming techniques, habitat destruction and monsoons.
"I knew farming was the answer, because what else would be the answer?" he said. "But traditional farming has a handicap because it relies on the seasons. Liberia has monsoons and most the time a heavy amount of rain will kill your crops. How can I find a way to farm without relying on seasons or being exposed to pests, like in traditional farming?"
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