More Ohio farmers are opting for crops under cover, which makes sense in a climate-change era, reviving our reputation as a leader in greenhouse production.
Greenhouse crops are changing how we grow food — for the better. Despite high initial costs, distracting greenhouse lighting, high use of energy and residential neighborhood pushback, the adoption of greenhouse use isn't slowing down — only becoming more attractive to most consumers.
Produce grown by protected agriculture happens in any system that controls the weather plants are exposed — this includes hoop houses, greenhouses, hydroponics or indoor farming. This technique of nutritious produce limits the use of less land, has less environmental impact, and can be grown closer to urban centers where demand for produce is high.
Ohio already boasts 20-plus large, controlled environment growth facilities cultivating hydroponic lettuce, vertical tomatoes, aquaculture, and new vegetables each season, that's a nearly 300 percent increase in production in the past decade, according to Ohio State. Protected agriculture increases healthy foods and employment opportunities, while combating food insecurity in the region.
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