This work was performed under the following financial assistance award 60NANB24D 146 from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Cleveland, OH — The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), a nonprofit research institute wholly affiliated with Parallax Advanced Research, is thrilled to announce its leadership role in the "Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative," made possible through Community Project Funding totaling $963,000 secured by Congresswoman Shontel Brown. This program is set to improve food access and urban sustainability by addressing the pressing issue of food deserts in low-income communities.
Food deserts—urban areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—pose significant challenges to the health and well-being of many Americans. The Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative harnesses cutting-edge technology and sustainable agriculture practices to transform underutilized urban spaces into vibrant, productive gardens. These urban gardens will serve as reliable sources of fresh, affordable produce for the communities that need it most.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the innovative use of drone technology for soil moisture and crop health monitoring. This state-of-the-art approach not only optimizes water use and minimizes the application of pesticides and fertilizers but also ensures a seamless integration of agriculture into urban environments. The result is a sustainable, community-centric model that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of food production.
OAI’s role in leading the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative involves connecting with partners, identifying technologies and sites, establishing baselines, and providing actionable recommendations for scaling the effort with the goal of transforming underutilized spaces into productive gardens and developing a replicable model. Additionally, OAI will utilize its expertise in STEM (Science, Technology, Education, and Math) education and workforce development to integrate an educational component to develop and support future sustainability leaders. The project is projected to be completed by September 2025.
“NE Ohio has always been at the forefront of urban agriculture innovation,” said Ron Stubblefield, senior program manager at the Ohio Aerospace Institute. “We are honored to spearhead the agriculture initiative, combining our decades of expertise in aerospace and technology with a commitment to improving lives. This program exemplifies our mission to translate research into real-world solutions that benefit our communities.”
Beyond its immediate impact, the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative lays the foundation for lasting economic and social benefits. By fostering job creation and introducing a new market for urban agriculture, the program aims to uplift communities and inspire similar initiatives nationwide. It not only addresses food insecurity but also elevates the quality of life for urban residents, providing tools and opportunities for sustainable growth.
This program stands at the confluence of technology, sustainability, and social equity. With its potential to serve as a national model, the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative reaffirms OAI’s commitment to community-driven innovation.
To learn more about this initiative or if you are interested in collaborating, please Contact Ron Stubblefield, Senior Program Manager at the Ohio Aerospace Institute, at ronaldstubblefield@oai.org.
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Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.