[CLEVELAND, OH] — Parallax Advanced Research, the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and LANDWERX today announced a partnership in guiding the “Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative”, made possible through Community Project Funding by Congresswoman Shontel Brown. This program aims to improve food access and urban sustainability in the Greater Cleveland area by addressing the continued issue of food deserts in low-income communities. The scheduled completion date for the project is September 2025.
Food deserts — areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food — pose significant challenges to the health and well-being of many Americans, especially in cities like Cleveland, OH. 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.
Parallax / OAI’s role in leading the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative involves connecting with partners, identifying technologies for deployment, launching and implementing pilot demonstration projects, establishing baseline performance metrics, and providing actionable recommendations for scaling the effort. The goal is to transform underutilized spaces into productive gardens and develop a replicable and sustainable 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.
LANDWERX, is a first-of-its-kind agricultural innovation hub, whose mission is to empower farmers at every turn with a commitment to blend traditional wisdom with modern advancements, ensuring optimal yields and sustainable practices for the future of agriculture. Their role in the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative will be to provide access to LANDWERX technologies and a national ecosystem of support resources, assist with conducting technological pilots and performance assessments, and support developing sustainability strategies.
“Parallax/OAI is honored to be moving this initiative forward with LANDWERX as a key partner,” said Dennis Andersh, CEO and President of Parallax Advanced Research / The Ohio Aerospace Institute. “This relationship combines the expertise and commitment of the two organizations to make meaningful progress in urban farming happen faster through a broader reach of resources and capabilities.”
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 by providing access to opportunities, resources, and tools to create more sustainable and resilient communities.
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.
About LANDWERX
LANDWERX is a non-profit organization supporting the national and international agricultural ecosystem, propelling the swift discovery, engagement, and promotion of cutting-edge solutions for modern agriculture. Serving as a neutral facilitator, LANDWERX bridges the gap between agricultural stakeholders and esteemed experts from the spheres of industry, academia, government and national labs to address pressing challenges faced by our agricultural community. Join us on our essential mission to strengthen our nation's food security.