Electric Works is adding a Commercial Regenerative Agriculture (CRA) technology company to its expanding list of tenants. Muncie-based agriculture technology firm Balance Holdings, Inc. will locate one of its Environmentally Controlled Sustainable Integrated Agriculture (ECSIA) systems at Electric Works.
The ECSIA system is an aquaponics system, which combines Commercial Regenerative Agriculture with raising fish and crayfish in tanks to grow fruits and vegetables for their “prescribed” food prescription plan, consumer and commercial sales on-site at Electric Works and throughout the region.
ECSIA’s zero-waste, closed-loop system uses 1 percent of the water needed for traditional agriculture and less than 20 percent used in hydroponics. The system mineralizes waste from the fish to make nutrient-rich water, which then flows into troughs to feed growing fruits and vegetables. The plants also filter the water, which is cycled back to the fish tanks.
“For ECSIA, growing better food is more than just putting a better tomato into the grocery store – it’s about growing a better future for our children,” explained company founder Glynn Barber. “We believe healthier food produces healthier people which produce healthier communities – and we see an exciting and unique opportunity for ECSIA to make a profound impact on this community, partnering with healthcare providers and higher education institutions at Electric Works.”
To date, more than 300 varieties of fruits and vegetables have been used with the ESCIA system. ECSIA systems are currently operating in East Chicago, Elkhart and Wapahani, Ind., as well as in Waco, Texas and Haiti.
“Balance Holdings is the type of company that we want at Electric Works; firms that are exploring new technologies and market-based solutions through strategic alliances and creative partnerships with other businesses, as well as healthcare and education institutions,” said Jeff Kingsbury of Electric Works developer RTM Ventures. “At the same time, ECSIA’s impact will be felt in the neighborhoods surrounding Electric Works – areas of the city that have struggled with access to healthy food in the past. Sustainable urban agriculture like the ECSIA system ensures Electric Works is a resource for healthy food for everyone – starting with our neighbors.”
This is the second tenant announcement for Electric Works featuring an agricultural-technology company in two weeks. Last week, it announced that Sweetwater Urban Farms, which utilizes aeroponic technology to produce nutrient-rich greens and herbs, will locate an operation at Electric Works.
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