Key Takeaways
- Auburn University has integrated a suite of AmplifiedAg container farms into its Transformation Garden and FoodU program.
- The new infrastructure includes propagation and leafy green production units, along with food-safe cold storage.
- The vertical farm suite can produce up to 32,000 pounds of fresh produce annually for Auburn’s campus dining services.
- Students gain hands-on experience in propagation, production, and food system logistics using real-world vertical farming systems.
- The expansion supports Auburn’s goals in agricultural education, sustainability, and campus food system innovation.
Auburn University Partners with AmplifiedAg to Expand Vertical Farming Capacity
The Auburn University College of Agriculture has expanded its Transformation Garden and FoodU program with the installation of a container farming suite developed by AmplifiedAg, a provider of indoor agriculture systems. This development enhances Auburn’s 16-acre agricultural research and education facility by incorporating commercial-grade controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technologies into academic and food service operations.
David Flynn, CEO of AmplifiedAg, stated, “We’re honored to be partners with Auburn University’s FoodU and Transformation Garden. These progressive programs are designed to immerse students in a fully integrated, industry-relevant agricultural ecosystem.”
New Container Farm Suite Supports Multidisciplinary Learning and Food Production
Leafy Greens, Seedlings, and Cold Storage Capabilities
The container farm suite includes:
- One AmpVPS unit for vertical plant propagation
- Two NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) farms optimized for leafy green production
- One repurposed unit for food-safe cold storage
The system enables students to manage full crop cycles, from seedling propagation to harvest. The AmpVPS unit alone can support the growth of up to 65,000 seedlings simultaneously, or 1.6 million annually, for a wide range of crops including vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and trees.
Daniel Wells, associate professor of horticulture and director of FoodU, noted, “These new state-of-the-art farms will allow us to grow even more high-quality produce for our campus community and will provide an excellent platform for us to continue to train the next generation of producers and problem-solvers.”
Campus Farm-to-Plate System Creates Closed-Loop Model
Produce Delivered Directly to Campus Dining Services
Initial operations will focus on producing lettuces and leafy greens for Auburn University’s dining services. The hyperlocal farm-to-plate model provides students with visibility into every step of the production process.
Glenn Loughridge, campus dining director, said, “Our hope is that their additional capacity of high-tech growing systems will provide more students the opportunity to eat some of the freshest produce possible. Each day at The Edge dining hall, our salad bar is one of our most popular stations because the food is harvested and served the same day.”
AmplifiedAg Technology Enhances Experiential Learning at Auburn
Preparing Students for Careers in CEA and Sustainable Agriculture
The addition of AmplifiedAg systems aligns with Auburn’s mission to integrate experiential learning across its agriculture programs. Students participating in the FoodU and Transformation Garden initiatives gain exposure to advanced vertical farming operations, as well as broader topics such as supply chain logistics, food safety, and plant science.
“Across the country, AmplifiedAg container farms are utilized by small farmers, research institutions, and USDA-ARS scientists,” said Flynn. “By bringing this technology to Auburn University, we’re providing students with real-world applications of vertical farming that will prepare them to become the next generation of sustainable agriculture leaders.”
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