Students at Oilfields High School in Diamond Valley, Alta., are getting their hands dirty learning about vertical farming.
"I enjoy the hands-on experience we get—a hands-on environment where we're learning how to do stuff that we don't get to learn everywhere else," said Taeyo Shipman, a student working on the vertical farm. This biochar-based, solar-powered farm grows fresh vegetables, herbs and spices and microgreens.
The "senior and junior vertical farm initiative" course allows students to earn credits as they equip themselves with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, business management and environmental stewardship.
"It's not just a pot being planted out of a classroom window—it was something really unique and different, and it got the community quite excited," said Cindy Watts, career technology instructor.
The vertical farm, which allows for crop production in a controlled environment, became operational in 2023. It has integrated modern, net-zero farming techniques, which include the use of solar panels. Jake Bradley is enrolled in the course and is tasked with keeping the vertical farm operational.
Read more at CTV News
