As the Company continues to grow ( it currently has multiple locations in several major metropolitan areas in California , co-founder Erik Oberholtzer sees numberous advantages to procuring food from hydroponic farms .
One benefit , according to Oberholtzer , is meeting increased demand for locally-grown plants that don ’ t travel well , such as herbs and lettuces . Other advantages include saving money by requiring less water and energy , reduced crop loss , better pest control , and higher plant quality .
“ Indoor agriculture saves money . If y can grow close to the source , less money is spent on logistics , and you can control crop loss , “ says Oberholtzer .
USDA ' s Newest Tool for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
Today , Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden unveiled a new , tailored online resource as part of the U . S . Department of Agriculture ' s ( USDA ' s ) two-year , $ 5.6 billion commitment to serve new and beginning new and beginning farm entrepreneurs , women in agriculture , farms in transition , and youth in agriculture . The web tool , designed based on feedback from new and beginning farmers and ranchers around the country , will connect farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started .
Explore the new web tool at www . usda . gov / newfarmers . The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner needs to know , from writing a business plan , to obtaining a loan to grow their business , to filing taxes as a new small business owner .
Today ' s release of the online tool is one of USDA ' s ongoing investments in resources to support new farmers and to encourage youth in agriculture . To learn more about USDA ' s efforts , visit theBeginning Farmers and Ranchers Results Page .
Hot Pepper Seed Winners from Monsanto .
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