Peace Produce is a hydroponic farm on the campus of William Peace University in downtown Raleigh. The farm is a partnership with Produce Purpose Inc. and Freight Farms, a hydroponic technology company.
Produce Purpose has five goals:
- To provide purposeful employment to those with special needs
- To produce pesticide-free, non-GMO crops hydroponically with a minimal carbon footprint
- To encourage healthy eating habits on campus
- To promote inclusivity within campus life
- To provide immersive learning opportunities to higher education
Peace Produce is the first such installation with Produce Purpose.
The self-contained, fully automated hydroponic farm is projected to harvest its first crop this fall.
Peace Produces – Immersive Learning
When complete, the produce will be used in the campus dining hall. Professors are also incorporating the farm into lesson plans as part of our commitment to Immersive Learning.
Peace’s team expects the farm to be part of lessons including Biology, Interactive Design, Psychology, and Special Education, among others.
The faculty at Peace focus on how they are teaching in addition to what they are teaching and build experiential, hands-on learning experiences into their courses. We are excited to partner with Produce Purpose to explore opportunities for faculty and students to engage with the on-campus hydroponic farm.
Lynda Szymankski, Vice President for Academic Affairs
