EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – Anu and ekō Solutions are changing the way people think about agriculture through a controlled environment with technology that’s as easy to use as a coffee pod.
Scott Massey is co-owner and founder of Anu.
“Just like a Keurig, you put the pod into the system and it brews when you’re hungry, so it’s easy for kids to use,” he says.
The goal is to grow food in places that don’t have the right climate or soil to grow produce year-round.
This also reduces the time it takes for traditional farming.
Peter Rodriguez is President of ekō Solutions.
ekō Solutions partnered with Anu to bring this project to life.
“My family is in the auto manufacturing business, so it only takes a few weeks, not necessarily years, to start farming,” Rodriguez said.
ekō Solutions is an Alabama-based company that is helping Anu load the devices into shipping containers.
The 20-foot containers provide a controlled environment and use hydroponic techniques to carry out all the work.
“It’s an urban oasis and as soon as you walk in you see this ever-growing tower, rotating beautiful assortments of different leafy greens and culinary herbs, and everything growing at an accelerated rate,” Massey says.
The plants can be harvested in 30-40 days, allowing you to harvest fresh produce every month throughout the year.
Massey said controlling the environment is more cost-effective.
“By reducing water usage by 95 percent and using no pesticides or preservatives, we are able to grow faster and harvest more regularly from the system,” Massey said.
In addition to combating general food insecurity, the companies say the partnership could bring commercial benefits to grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other venues.
