Re: 2 queries: hydroponics and farmers markets

jhaskett@asrr.arsusda.gov
Tue, 9 May 1995 10:03:20 -0400 (EDT)

Re #1. Sorry to rain on the parade but I think it is likely that
the economics of hydroponic vegetable production mitigate against
this a viable urban development strategy. I could be mistaken
however. My serious reservations arise from several sources:
a) Hydroponic production requires a relatively high energy input
both in terms of direct energy to circulate nutrients and indirect
energy in terms of manufactured materials, as compared with non-hydroponic
production.
b) Vegetable prices are relatively low especially in the warmer parts
of the year making return on investment low. At other times of the year
growth even in greenhouses is very slow because it is light limited.
Overcoming this limitation by artificial lighting then adds to the
energy requirments.

In light of this I would suggest costing out the potential for
production of high value specialty crops such as flowers and ornamentals
(this can be year-round production to hit such busy seasons as
Easter and Christmas as well as summer yard plantings), as well as
production of fresh herbs. I would also suggest dispensing with
hydroponics in favor of soil-based production using organic greenhouse
methods.

Cheers,
Jonathan Haskett

On Mon, 8 May 1995, john hendrickson wrote:

> SANet'ers,
>
> I am posting a query (actually two) for a person without Internet
> access. You can direct you responses to me.
>
> 1. Does anyone out there know anything about building and
> operating hydroponic greenhouses in an urban area? There is
> interest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in renovating existing
> structures to produce vegetables for local consumption and
> thereby providing jobs and income for inner city
> neighborhoods.
>
> 2. Does anyone have experience with *YEAR-ROUND, IN-DOOR*
> farmers' markets?
>
> Thank you in advance.
>
> John Hendrickson
> Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems
> University of Wisconsin-Madison
> (608) 265-3704
> jhendrik@macc.wisc.edu
>
>